Does anyone know if the following is possible.

Start a recording to "time shift"
Begin watching the recording (after about 20 minutes)
Stop or pause to go to live TV on a different channel.
Switch back to recording and watch from where you left off.

I seems to only give a "Play" option which goes to the start of the recording.

Any ideas?


I had the same question. It appears that this is the most negative item to come out of the new interface. I loved the fact that with the Verizon DVR's, you could pick up a show 20 minutes or so into the recording and 'Play from the Beginning'. Major negative for me.

I've seen enough threads and messages about PSIP not working, but anyone with a QAM tuner only and working psip see a change on KYW HD from 3.1 to 26.1?

I did an install in Maple Shade the other day and after doing a channel scan on two of the HD TV's, I came across a security camera that was aimed at the guard house and gate of what I presume is a gated community. Has anyone else seen this and do you have any idea where this is?

Just thought it was interesting to see.

I did an install in Maple Shade the other day and after doing a channel scan on two of the HD TV's, I came across a security camera that was aimed at the guard house and gate of what I presume is a gated community. Has anyone else seen this and do you have any idea where this is? Just thought it was interesting to see.Is it on 90-801? That was a web cam for a gated community in DE. Did a scan for the Verizon FiOS QAM thread over on dslreports.com: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19439993-QAM-Changes-from-Philly-VHO~days=10~start=120

The security cam was pointed to a driveway and was obstructed by a building column. It disappeared a few days later. Did they move the cam?

Here's what I found from 12/24/7:
OTA HD found: 3-1, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, 10-1, 10-2, 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, 17-1, 17-2, 29-1, 52-1, 52-3, 52-4, 57-1.

Others of interest:
31-2 -> qubo
31-3 -> IONLife
31-4 -> Worship
55-100 -> WGN
63-1xxx, 64-1xxx, 65-1xxx -> The 480i SD versions of the analog channels.
66-101 -> TV Guide
66-103 -> Weather Channel
66-108 -> Weather Channel Localscan
66-408 through 66-454 -> Music Choice
84-751 through 84-798 -> Urge
87-512 -> VOD trailers (?), continual loop of promos
87-513 -> promo for a new Expo channel
88-288 -> Showtime Showcase West, 364 on the STB
90-800 -> private channel, belongs to Peninsula "Community" in Delaware.
90-801 -> web cam, facing West / Southwest, color. Probably is the "Security" channel 889 mentioned in the crawler for the Peninsula club channel on 90-800.

You shouldn't be able access those private channels (I don't know what else to call them) on the STB. I'm not connected via QAM tuner right now.

Well still in Rosemont/Villanova, Delaware county side there is no FiOS yet, and they have done almost if not all the wiring for my area, it seems as though they do not give a crap or are slow as a snail or something on getting it lit-up they ran the wires back in Oct. and its like they are sitting on it, does anyone have a clue as to when they will finally light up my area?

The security cam was pointed to a driveway and was obstructed by a building column. It disappeared a few days later. Did they move the cam?



Interesting.....I don't know if they moved it, I think it it was in the channel range you mentioned.

Thanks for the results of the QAM scan.....Since no one at VZ can provide that info to us, I'll post it in our garage for the reest of the worker bees!

I've been somewhat of a fan of FiOS. I've had it (TV and Internet) for almost a year now. Just switched in Nov. to their HD service.

I started to really dislike the lack of free movies in comparison to stories of friends on Comcast. I'm holding out for for additional HD content as well.

Anyway, I think the new menu is horrible. Somewhat ok to read on my HDTV. Next to impossible to read on a smaller CRT in the bedroom. Having white text over color fields is a big design no-no. Also, I now have a 1/8 inch green bar on the right side of my HDTV when "Just Scan" is on. When I select viewing mode to "16x9". It goes away.

Any suggestions or comments?

Well still in Rosemont/Villanova, Delaware county side there is no FiOS yet, and they have done almost if not all the wiring for my area, it seems as though they do not give a crap or are slow as a snail or something on getting it lit-up they ran the wires back in Oct. and its like they are sitting on it, does anyone have a clue as to when they will finally light up my area?

From what I understand, it usually takes about 6 months from when they finish running the cable, till the time it is offered to you.

...I now have a 1/8 inch green bar on the right side of my HDTV when "Just Scan" is on. When I select viewing mode to "16x9". It goes away....
Give us some background on the model of your set, and what resolution you have set to send to the panel from the cable box. Are you trying to set it to "fill" the screen when viewing standard def channels? I find this annoying and distorted, and simply set the box to view in 4:3 mode when switching channels. On my panels and CRT I find the picture quality much better with this setting. On some channels on my one panel, I have the "noise" pixels at the top of the screen when it switches to 4:3 commercials when viewing a high-def channel, but it's not worth fooling around with.

Does anyone know when the HD VOD service will be coming to the area. I thought it we were suppose to get it when the IMG came out.

Also, I now have a 1/8 inch green bar on the right side of my HDTV when "Just Scan" is on.There's a bug in the new IMG if you are using HDMI and the STB. To make a long story short, change the colorspace in the setup menu from "YCC" to "RGB".

There's also another bug that resets the 4:3 override when you change the IMG's video resolution. After you set the IMG to 1080i, set it to "OFF" in the setup menu. That's probably part of your problem that Jim Hef is helping you with.

IOW, that's 2 bugs due to the new IMG that you need to work-around. After you get your setup right, don't change anything.

Got the Verizon price increase letter today. Still cheaper than ComCast, though.

While watching the NBC Nightly News in high def last night, the sound was synced nicely to the program, but when it switched to 4:3 camera coverages, or to commercials, also in 4:3 aspect, the sync was noticeably off. Can't understand how this would be implemented to cause this. At least the other high def channels had proper syncs. I didn't switch it to see if the analog or digital channels were experiencing the same problem.

Based on past history with NBC10, it was likely a problem at the source.

Verizon announces a channel change! Crawler at the bottom of the Weather Channel local on the 8's: Beginning February 2, 2008, VH Uno will go off air and be replaced by MTV U on channel 565.

That's a music channel for La Conexión subscribers.

Well still in Rosemont/Villanova, Delaware county side there is no FiOS yet, and they have done almost if not all the wiring for my area, it seems as though they do not give a crap or are slow as a snail or something on getting it lit-up they ran the wires back in Oct. and its like they are sitting on it, does anyone have a clue as to when they will finally light up my area?


You should call your township manager. That's how I found out my area is still 4 years away. V might have wired before they were permitted to solicit and turn on.

The time displayed on my DVR seems to be about 40 seconds behind the actual time since the new IMG was activated.

Why is HDNet about 15 S behind Comcast Sportsnet-HD on tonights Flyers game? PQ comparable (excellent). Interesting to watch one play, then watch the same play again, but called by a different set of announcers.

GaryPSU - The DVR time display error is also mentioned in the DSL reports IMG bugs thread: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,19872843?hilite=

My neigbor just had Fios installed last week and I've been trying to access the 4:3 overide on his NON DVR Moto box w/no success. As posted in this thread, I've tried with the box on : pwr off, then quickly "select", then "menu". Tried off, OK, then menu. Tried off, then menu. None of these work.

Anyone have the correct sequence for the Non DVR STB ? Thanks

Just tried my one non-DVR 6200 box, and it doesn't seem to function according to the directions either. The manual states with display on, and box power off, hit the menu button on the face of the box. Nothing showed for me either. :(

Anyone getting severe pixelation on the 800 channels? It is unwatchable for me. I am seeing it on my S3 Tivo with the cable cards.

JerryL356 - Didn't see any pixelation on 810 from 6:30 to 7 PM. HD-DVR

Jim Hef / shadowcaster - The sequence is for the "new" IMG. It should work, haven't heard of anyone having problems. With the STB ON, hit Power, Select, Menu. "Old" IMG is Power, Menu (STB must be ON first).

Can you access the diagnostic menu? Old sequence was Power, Select. Now, it's Power, Select, Select. Got sticky over on DSL reports: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19899756-The-other-hidden-menu-in-your-STB-Diagnostic. Instructions for both menus is listed in post #1, near the top.

For some reason, my response didn't seem to post yesterday.

Thank you GeekGirl, the procedures worked fine on my 6200 STB. As always, you are the one to turn to!

Interesting...mine did but now it's gone.

From my post : "thanks geekgirl, but it's not working for me. I'm assuming that you press and release each button, not holding them down all at once?
How do I know which IMG he has, it was installed last week so I assumed it was the latest. In any event I tried both sequences with the same result. Either a blank screen or the menu comes up that has, among other things. "settings">this contains the resolution choices"

Jim Hef - AVS forum went down big time yesterday. They had to do a restore from a 5 AM backup. Everything after that time was gone.

shadowcaster - Correct. It's not like the "three-finger solute" that you do to reboot your PC. Hit each one in sequence, one at a time (but do it within a few seconds).

You can tell if you have the new IMG: http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/channel+lineup/interactive+media+guide/interactive+media+guide.htm. It takes up the full screen and the menu choices are by "sliding" across from left to right. The old one just has a quick pop-up menu with simple choices on the left side of the screen.

The diagnostic menu looks like this: http://cjhengineering.com/hdtv/cablehdtv/dctdiag.htm

The setup menu looks like this: http://cjhengineering.com/hdtv/cablehdtv/dctset-up.htm (scroll down to see it)

Once you see the setup menu, use your remote or the front panel keypad to go down 2x to the 4:3 override. Then hit Select and change the setting to OFF.

Thanks GeekGirl. I'll probably see my neighbor tomorrow or Friday. I'll let you know how it goes. Oh, and I have to take pics of his fiber line to the house, you just won't believe what VZ did.

Edit : BTW, from the link, it looks like he has the new IMG, but now I know what to look for.

I realize this is a Philly thread, however thought there might be interest in seeing how VZ installed my neighbor's cable run to the house, here on L.I..

The first photo is the access terminal right in front of his house. Not too far from the house. But did they use that? No, why ? when there is a main feed terminal down on the main road, 5 times as far from the house. On top of that they ran the cable on top of the ground, using large "staples". Hopefully they'll bury the cable before someone trips on it or kids come along and cut it (they wouldn't do that, would they?) What on earth were these guys thinking ??

I apologize in advance if this question has been asked ad nauseum in the past. I'm currently a Comcast subscriber and considering switching to FIOS in April-May timeframe.

Does anyone know when does Verizon plan to add more HD channels to their line up? Specifically TBS-HD, CNN-HD, Sci-Fi HD, USA-HD, FX-HD, etc?

Love the art skills. Keep 'em coming!

The first photo is the access terminal right in front of his house. Not too far from the house.

I apologize in advance if this question has been asked ad nauseum in the past. I'm currently a Comcast subscriber and considering switching to FIOS in April-May timeframe. Does anyone know when does Verizon plan to add more HD channels to their line up? Specifically TBS-HD, CNN-HD, Sci-Fi HD, USA-HD, FX-HD, etc?Here's the ad nauseum thread from DSL Reports: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r19944761-New-HD-Lineup~days=10 :) Be sure to check out the rest of the forum. Lots more info on that topic. Some of the delays in the rollout are due to the hardware limitations on their distribution network.

Also discussed here, but not local to Philly: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=590208&page=195. I'm looking for Weather-HD myself.

Interesting discussion going on there, and from that list in the last post, there's very little to expect even when we get them all "this Spring". The better comment made there was that the channels that claim to be HD still broadcast standard def programming but stretch it to "appear" HD (widescreen). I've seen that happen, and it's an odd quality, not very appealing. So, 150 channels with only about 50 channels being broadcast now makes me wonder how many of these will be the pay per view and somewhat worthless messaging.

I realize this is a Philly thread, however thought there might be interest in seeing how VZ installed my neighbor's cable run to the house, here on L.I..

The first photo is the access terminal right in front of his house. Not too far from the house. But did they use that? No, why ? when there is a main feed terminal down on the main road, 5 times as far from the house. On top of that they ran the cable on top of the ground, using large "staples". Hopefully they'll bury the cable before someone trips on it or kids come along and cut it (they wouldn't do that, would they?) What on earth were these guys thinking ??

The first photo actually shows a hand hole that is typically found near the customers house. There is no terminal there (too small). It provides access to the conduit that is run to the terminal hand holes.

From what I can tell, I didn't see any utility markouts. Can't dig without markouts.

If I were the tech, I would have done the same thing, as long as the customer was OK with it. As soon as I could, I would have contacted the buried service department and either found out the status or placed the order for the buried work to be completed. The alternative........wait until the fiber is buried to complete the install (up to 2 weeks in NJ).

Just my $.02

Jim, yes, there are utility markouts. Those were done before the conduit was put in, so that's not an issue.
You're correct, in that the hand hole ("flower pot") actually is a run through point for the fiber from the main terminal box. It contains a fish line that they would normally then pull the fiber from the main box terminal into and then out of, through a spade trench to the house. Would have been easy to pull that cable through ~20yds rather than have to bury it that same distance, plus the additional 20yds. BTW, the cable is still exposed, over 2 weeks now.

My feeling is that they probably didn't see the flower pot. I don't know about Philly, but on LI, the linemen show up without any written layout plans whatsover.
I'm still waiting for VZN to acknowledge that I can order the service. They so no, even though I'm on the same conduit run as my neighbor. We're on a dead end street w/only 7 houses on it. Vzn is saying that the first, second, sixth and seventh can but that 3-5 can't. Had a lineman here on Sat and he was just flabbergasted that we were told that.

...Vzn is saying that the first, second, sixth and seventh can but that 3-5 can't....
Okay, are you one of those cranky callers that the reps don't like very much? :D Sounds like a glitch in their addressing. I live on a street called "Drive" by Verizon and the Township, but "Avenue" by the electrical company, and "Road" on some maps!

Okay, are you one of those cranky callers that the reps don't like very much? :D Sounds like a glitch in their addressing. I live on a street called "Drive" by Verizon and the Township, but "Avenue" by the electrical company, and "Road" on some maps!
Not a cranky caller Jim, but definitely getting cranky in my old age. At least so my wife tells me.:rolleyes:
Actually, Vzn is going by our telephone numbers and I can't seem to around that.

After working hard in the FiOS mines today, I came home and sat down to watch next weeks episode of The Wire. Once I was done with the episode, I did a little search within the VOD menu for HDTV and low and behold, about 6 or 7 HD VOD titles popped up. I couldn't believe my eyes, so I played one of them and sure enough, HD VOD.

I guess the update that was pushed at 4:44 this morning brought us some HD VOD. :D

I tried to do a search for hd vod but didn't come up with anything so I had to manually search for them. All i have seen right now is csi in hd. So i guess right now they are getting like primetime shows in hd. Now i would like to know when are they going to get abc and fox vod?

Anyone watch the Phamtoms game on ComCast Sportsnet-HD? PQ was worse than the Flyers game on VS (SD) tonight. Was swapping around during commercials.

Do others notice a long lag time when selecting specific channels via the remote...not paging up and down but selecting another channel number? It seems there is a noticeable lag when doing this that didn't happen previously before the new Guide was in place. And, I see HD movies being advertised, but haven't found any HD content in the On Demand section. I haven't subscribed to a pay per view for a movie...is this where the HD content is?

Does anyone have any news about FIOS internet, but especially TV in Jenkintown, PA? I notice on the Verizon site that there is still a "future notification" page that loads when you query in a Jenkintown address/phone number.

Could someone tell me if the township has agreed to FIOS' presence in Jenkintown? If so, when should people from Jenkintown expect service?

Thanks.

Anyone who gets Consumer Reports want to comment on the March issue's rating Verizon #1? From what I heard, it was rated for content over the others, besides the obvious picture quality. Any insights on this?

I don't get consumer reports. They looked at picture quality? Do they know what they're doing?

Picture quality, content, customer service and support, and a few other things. I think they also rated it #1 for the "bundled" content with phone and internet. CR's rating systems are somewhat skewed by their "value" ratings. A Yugo could beat a Ferrari in their judgement because both got you down the road, but the Yugo would be so much more economical!:rolleyes: A friend is sending me the article, and after I read it, I'll let you know what they had to say.

Article in today's Inquirer about Verizon FiOS: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/business/homepage/20080224_FiOS__Nearing_Full_Speed.html

From a positive business outlook. Comcast admits losing customers.

It was an interesting read, but their mapping seems a bit off. I know that my sister has FiOS in Langhorne, but they don't show Middletown Township as having the service. Maybe it's not completed through that township?

A friend of mine is in Middletown Twp. (Levittown section near 413). He scheduled for FiOS, but I haven't checked to see if he actually got it installed.

Article in today's Inquirer about Verizon FiOS: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/business/homepage/20080224_FiOS__Nearing_Full_Speed.html

From a positive business outlook. Comcast admits losing customers.

I think it's funny that they never mentioned that Trenton is fired up and Camden is is on the radar for the very near future when the cherry picking aspect was brought up. :rolleyes:

I just switched from Comcast to FIOS HD. It looks great, but one weird thing. All the images look bigger than they did in Comcast. Almost like it's a mild zoom. The network logos on the lower screen corners look larger, and some heads almost appear cut off. It's the same on HD or SD, on all our sets...set top box or cable card. Is this a FIOS thing?

Even with cable card? Does not sound right. Have you checked another source, like Digital Video Essentials on DVD? At least to verify on one of the TVs.

FYI - you might want to update your profile so members can see what area you live in. It would help in case it's specific to your local area.

I still am waiting in Villanova/Rosemont, PA Delaware County near Bryn Mawr. Its been about 9 months since the conduit had been placed and fiber been has been pulled as well about 4 months ago and still the damn website says its not avilable for my address, this is getting a bit frustrating with the wait when they can get another area in havertown up and running quickly where they had no conduit and fiber ran and they quickly did that section but forgot about my area. They are spinning wheels and losing money to potential subscribers and helping themselves to get into thew black instead of sitting in the red.

Even with cable card? Does not sound right. Have you checked another source, like Digital Video Essentials on DVD? At least to verify on one of the TVs.

FYI - you might want to update your profile so members can see what area you live in. It would help in case it's specific to your local area.

I have DVE and I had previously adjusted the TV with the minimal overscan. I don't think it's all channels. But here's an example. Last night I watched American Idol on Fox 29. The Fox logo on the lower right screen used to say 'Philadelphia' below the '29' when I had Comcast. Now, I can see the '29' but it's right on the bottom of the screen...with nothing visible below.
If you watch it tonight, let me know what you see.

It seems to be most noticeable on CBS and HBO. HD and SD are the same. Other sets in the house (only SD) appear the same.

Thanks!

...and still the damn website says its not available for my address....
Call rather than using the website. In my case, quite awhile ago, the website told that it wasn't available, yet I was a month late in getting it installed because I was heading to the wrong place!

egruber - did a quick check during the Flyers commercials. I compared FOX against OTA (Over-The-Air) and they looked the same. The FOX logo was in exactly the same spot between Verizon and broadcast.

I see what you are saying about the slight zoom effect. It's being broadcast that way, so there's nothing that Verizon is doing and your TVs are OK. I only looked at the HD channels (back to the game...).

FYI - Thursday / Saturday nights is HDNet hockey on 833. Unbelievable PQ.

Hey GeekGirl....thanks for checking for me. I know it sounded weird, and that's why I posted it to the good people on these boards.

HAs anyone notice on the hd channels where the scene seems to have jitter or a stop and go like thing that happens, i have noticed this from the first time i had fios installed and figured it was just something that happens once in awhile but it seems it hasen't gotten any better, any thoughts on this at all.DO i need a box reset?? Also when in the menu the response time to go from menu to menu is really slow.

There are a number of people, including me, that have that problem. Blame is going to the STB hardware / software design. You can probably find lots of info by searching for the "stuttering" problem. There's thread dedicated to the HD-DVR: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=617635&page=104

Also on DSL Reports Verizon FiOS TV forum: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/vzfiostv

Even after STB replacement, I still get some. Most noticeable seems to be on the high data rate channels (Comcast Sportsnet-HD), but have seen it on SD channels as well.

Bringing up the guide is slow, but the response to the remote "skip" feature during recording playback is faster than it used to be (probably before you got FiOS).

Had Fios installed a week ago. I am really impressed with the picture quality compared to Comcast. Standard is much better on the HDTV and the SDTV. HD content doesn't have the compression artifacts anymore (my biggest problem with Comcast).

I haven't had any problems with the HD-DVR yet so hopefully I get lucky.

My install was a nightmare though. It should have been installed on 2/9/08 but when the tech checked the main light source it wasn't on yet. He couldn't fix it a special tech needed to do that. I told him to install as far as he could go and we would reschedule. Last Saturday was my original reschedule date. They screwed up and told me 3/29/08 was the best they could do. When I asked what happened they scheduled me on a day I couldn't be home and then said the fastest they could be out was the 29th. I pushed and got it installed 3/1/08. If I didn't know the benefits I probably would have stayed with Comcast.

I guess being the first person in Media to have Fios installed couldn't go problem free. Total time from talking to the main cable install tech to being installed was 2-3 months. Really fast if you ask me.

New Fios install.
Is it normal to have brief pixelization when switching channels on a sd stb? ( my HD DVR doesn't do it)

i was going to ask in the comcast thread but only discussion there nowadays seems to be
psip data and "were is fox now".

anyway flyers game on nbc today, is anyone watching?

it is nearly unwatchable due to flickering and screen going to black for a split second every minute or so.

i see this everytime i try to watch a flyers game on nbc.

anyone in Aston/Upper Chi have fios yet.
site says not yet, but i'll probably call anyway to check

Yeah, I watched it. Unbelievable amount of flickering. I tried switching to OTA, but signal was too weak to get any reliable comparision.

Could someone please check their D* ch.17 HD version(phl) to see if it is still out for you?
Mine went out more than 24hrs ago and still not working yet.
Thanks.

It's OK on Verizon FiOS (CW17 HD).

Thanks GeekGirl...wish they would bring either comcast or much better yet FIOS to Allentown.
I don't get how some small hick towns across this country have it but not a fairly large city between Philly and NY?!?

Not to mention I have to go out everytime I want to watch the Phils or Sixers since Comcast wont let D* show their programming. :mad:

So it must be a Direct TV problem then, right?

I called FiOS yesterday to order an additional high-def box, and they told me they are backordered for at least three weeks! Wow, a cable company that can't supply their clients with the equipment necessary to receive their signal! On the better news side, they now offer a "digital adapter", a delimited small form factor box for those sets not needing a full service set top box.

I am currently a Comcast triple play customer but I am considering switching to FIOS. I would like to know if anyone here has done such migration recently and what should I be aware of when ordering the service? I am not too much concerned with porting TV and internet but more with porting the phone service. I would like to keep existing phone number and am concerned that either Verizon or Comcast or both will screw something up.

Also when I switch to Fios are there any caveats and negatives to their service? Is their CS like ComedyCast or they actually know what they need to do to help a customer? I heard some people having billing issues, is that true? How painful is the install process? Is it worth locking into a 1 or 2 years deal or should just stick to month to month?

Please advise.

Also when I switch to Fios are there any caveats and negatives to their service? Is their CS like ComedyCast or they actually know what they need to do to help a customer? I heard some people having billing issues, is that true? How painful is the install process? Is it worth locking into a 1 or 2 years deal or should just stick to month to month?

Please advise.

I can't answer about phone and internet" switch over" since I already had Verizon phone (copper wire) and Verizon DSL, but I did have comcast cable. The caveats are:

1. Every TV will need a set top box in order to receive more than a handful of channels - unlike Comcast which offered numerous channels from the "raw" cable. The picture quality is better with the box, however, since it is digital.

2. The on demand movies are not in HD presently - to the best of my knowledge - but are promised to be coming soon.

Overall I am happy with FIOS since the price is comparable even including the set to boxes, and the internet speed is very fast - much faster than my DSL was, and much faster than Comcast cable too.

Overall I am very pleased. You'll get a much better deal with a one or two year contract. Installation should not be too much trouble since you are already wired for cable.

I just wanted to make sure I understand something correctly... Even if you live in an area where Verizon is still providing analog, you can't get anything other than the normal OTA stations without a box? I had verizon convincing me that I would still have regular basic cable type stations such as mtv, comedy central, etc...

Correct, I have only a few stations without the box. I assume that they are all OTA stations. What do you mean by Verizon providing analog? I thought that all Verizon offers is FIOS and satellite.

Hi everybody. They finally turned the light on here in Voorhees and my Triple Play install is set for Friday. I have to say, though, that I'm a little ticked about having to now pay and extra $10/month because they missed turning it on by the Feb. 16 cutoff for the $94.99 promotional. Cheez, they had the fiber all installed by early November. Oh well.

Here are the technical questions. Did some searching online already but I've gotten conflicting info.

1) For the 'net side of the connection, is the feed from the ONT to the router coaxial or Ethernet? Or can it be whichever of the two I want? I ask because I already have set up in my house both coax and Ethernet distribution (been a Comcast customer for about 14 years). I am doing a bit of prep work for the FIOS install, and wanted to have the right interface available from my garage to my computer network location. I've seen both coax and normal copper WAN ports on the ActionTec and D-link routers, but wasn't sure if the ONT feed had to be one or the other. If it can be Ethernet, do I lose anything in terms of capability over the coax?

2) Have any of you been successful in convincing the Verizon install people NOT to cut the copper outside the house after the install is done? Or even to keep everything up to the old Dmarc box in place?

3) I've also read that some people have gotten the installer to put in an extra battery backup, to get longer run time during power failure. Is that even possible from the way the ONT and battery backup boxes interface to each other?

4) Yesterday the guy came to do the line marking outside the house (my neighborhood is buried cable). He said another third party would be coming by before the installer to lay in the Corning cable up to my house. Does anyone know if this is typically the same day as the install, or before installation day? I ask becuase I want to be here when that happens. I want to have enough cable laid out so that I can have the ONT box installed in my garage instead of outside.

My feed from the Optical Network Terminal (ONT) on the garage wall to the router/modem is coax. I'm not sure if it can be ethernet. I previously had Verizon DSL. I've heard of problems with phone number transfer from other carriers, but I had none since I already had Verizon. They did not cut the copper phone cable. I doubt if I will ever return to copper anyway, although I might play Comcast against FIOS for a better price. I did not consider or ask for an extra battery backup. The guys trenched and ran the underground cable a day or two before the installation (in Marlton, NJ) last August.

Thanks Gary. I'm going to install a coax port to my network area just to be safe. I can always swap it out for a Cat-5e feedthrough the day of installation if needed.

How long did the install take?

Correct, I have only a few stations without the box. I assume that they are all OTA stations. What do you mean by Verizon providing analog? I thought that all Verizon offers is FIOS and satellite.

I was refering to the analog stations as apposed to the digital ones... They were telling me that as long as they were providing analog channels, which is supposed to be until March 2009 for the Phoenixville area, that I wouldn't need a box for basic cable.

It's annoying that I would have to pay an additional $10 a month to get what I get from Comcast for free, which is all basic cable stations up to 100 and all OTA's in HD... FIOS is quickly losing it's cost advantage, especially knowing that you can always negotiate Comcast down in price...

1) For the 'net side of the connection, is the feed from the ONT to the router coaxial or Ethernet? Or can it be whichever of the two I want? I ask because I already have set up in my house both coax and Ethernet distribution (been a Comcast customer for about 14 years). I am doing a bit of prep work for the FIOS install, and wanted to have the right interface available from my garage to my computer network location. I've seen both coax and normal copper WAN ports on the ActionTec and D-link routers, but wasn't sure if the ONT feed had to be one or the other. If it can be Ethernet, do I lose anything in terms of capability over the coax?

Generally we install the feed to the router using coax. They only time we have to use ethernet is if we have to install an older ONT that allows for up to 4 voice ports. (the current ONT is up to 2 voice ports) If you request ethernet, the tech may agree but he'll probably put up a fight, because he would have install 2 lines (coax and ethernet) to the router, not just one. (Coax needs to go to the router to establish the MoCA network for the STB's anyways)

2) Have any of you been successful in convincing the Verizon install people NOT to cut the copper outside the house after the install is done? Or even to keep everything up to the old Dmarc box in place?

Most techs will leave it in place if you ask. I usually remove it just to "clean" things up. Even if you do decide to go back to copper, :confused: any "outside work" (NID and service wire), should be covered by regulated fees.

3) I've also read that some people have gotten the installer to put in an extra battery backup, to get longer run time during power failure. Is that even possible from the way the ONT and battery backup boxes interface to each other?

I have yet to see any battery backup units that we carry that have the ability to daisy chain them together.

4) Yesterday the guy came to do the line marking outside the house (my neighborhood is buried cable). He said another third party would be coming by before the installer to lay in the Corning cable up to my house. Does anyone know if this is typically the same day as the install, or before installation day? I ask becuase I want to be here when that happens. I want to have enough cable laid out so that I can have the ONT box installed in my garage instead of outside.

Most of the time, they are usually there before we get there on the day of the install (not sure how many days in advance). Most times they leave a 20-30 foot coil at the side of the house. As long as you're not going to the complete opposite side of the house from where the existing demarc is, you should be ok. As for the amount that they leave for us at the other end, it can be anywhere from 150' too long, to 30' too short.:eek: (seriously!)

I was refering to the analog stations as apposed to the digital ones... They were telling me that as long as they were providing analog channels, which is supposed to be until March 2009 for the Phoenixville area, that I wouldn't need a box for basic cable.



The anaolg channel shutoff is supposed to happen before this summer. According to the shutoff schedule that is posted somewhere here is AVS Forum (I can't seem to find it, but I'm sure GeekGirl knows exactly where it is :)), VHO8 - Philadelphia is set for June. The 60 day letters are supposed to go out in the beginning of April. Since I haven't seen the letter yet or browsed though other threads of the areas that are within the 60 day transition period, I'm not sure what VZ is offering. I've heard, they are offering a digital adapter. Try browsing through the Richmond VA thread. I believe they have gotten the letter.

I was refering to the analog stations as apposed to the digital ones....
You'd need to rent at least the "digital adapter" for those rooms that you'd want "basic" cable. You'll get about 14 channels without it, but every channel with it. $3.99 per month! Read the fact sheet about it to decide which one you'd want. No HD, no Guide, and no On Demand as I recall. I haven't installed this yet on my bathroom panel, but will shortly. Without it, you only get the few local stations. I agree, the cost of set top boxes adds up quickly, and soon negates any savings vs. Comcast. The picture is superior with FiOS, but on bedroom standard small screen CRTs, there's very little difference.

Generally we install the feed to the router using coax. They only time we have to use ethernet is if we have to install an older ONT that allows for up to 4 voice ports. (the current ONT is up to 2 voice ports) If you request ethernet, the tech may agree but he'll probably put up a fight, because he would have install 2 lines (coax and ethernet) to the router, not just one. (Coax needs to go to the router to establish the MoCA network for the STB's anyways)

Jim, thanks so much for all these answers. Some follow up: I can make sure either a coax or Ethernet feedthru is what's setup, so it sounds like I should make it coax.


Most of the time, they are usually there before we get there on the day of the install (not sure how many days in advance). Most times they leave a 20-30 foot coil at the side of the house. As long as you're not going to the complete opposite side of the house from where the existing demarc is, you should be ok. As for the amount that they leave for us at the other end, it can be anywhere from 150' too long, to 30' too short.:eek: (seriously!)

I had a DRC ticket put in with the note needed for the additional length, just in case I'm not there. Just going to the other side of the garage on the inside, but that will be just about an additional 30 feet. Hopefully that part will all go well.

What's used to patch the through holes put into a cinder block foundation? And is HowardTV going to be added to OD? :D

so it sounds like I should make it coax.

It would make your technician real happy! :D

What's used to patch the through holes put into a cinder block foundation? And is HowardTV going to be added to OD? :D

In the last couple of months, a 1 inch rubber plug, with a groove just the right size for the fiber drop, appeared on our shelves in my garage. I'm not sure what other garages in this area stock those. I know I carry them on my truck for that very purpose, so maybe you'll get lucky and i'll get your install on friday. :cool:

HowardTV.......well........ InDemand (the company that holds the rights to HowardTV) is a service run by Comcast, Cox and TWC (http://www.indemand.com/about/who.jsp). I'm guessing that they don't want to "give it up" to their competitors or they want a ton of money for it. I haven't heard any rumblings about getting it, but stranger things have happened. After-all, they did "give" Comcast Sportsnet to FiOS.

Jim, thanks so much for all these answers. Some follow up: I can make sure either a coax or Ethernet feedthru is what's setup, so it sounds like I should make it coax.

After realizing that I should have been more specific about the coax run, just make sure you've got coax running from the garage to your main coax splitter and also from the router location to the splitter as well. :o

My bad!

You'd need to rent at least the "digital adapter" for those rooms that you'd want "basic" cable. You'll get about 14 channels without it, but every channel with it. $3.99 per month! .
Since Feb 21 (look in messages in the guide) the digital adapter id FREE for the life of your service. Just call the # listed, one to a family. It's shipped UPS to you and is a self install.

Thanks for that! The rep on the phone didn't give me that information, and that was just last week. Maybe he just forgot to tell me that it wouldn't be billed, but I need to watch out for that. The rep told me that he would call back the next day to schedule an installation for the additional high-def box that I need, but that never happened either. Calling seems to be the only way to get things accomplished...they're very busy!

Looks like PCN has been added on channel 9. Not sure when it was added, but today is the first day I'm noticing it.

How do I find out where FiOS is available without a phone number?

We're in the process of looking for a new home. One neighborhodd under consideration is Riverton, NJ.

But in general, how would I find out?

How do I find out where FiOS is available without a phone number?

We're in the process of looking for a new home. One neighborhodd under consideration is Riverton, NJ.

But in general, how would I find out?

Not in Riverton.........The closest to Riverton would be the Cherry Hill Side of Maple Shade.

The best way is to go to Verizon's website and it will allow you to enter the street address.

So far I am not impressed with the FIOS rollout. It was a year ago they pulled the fiber down our street, and they finally sent out a brochure that it was active an we could order. I have checked onlilne and the system was active months ago, I guess they throttle as much as possible because of the high demand for installs. What didn't impress me was that the brochure is for NY stations and channel list, I live 10 minutes from Philly. I can go online and look things up, but my parents can't, and I would guess there are others that can't. I'll wait a while to see how things shake out, their pricing is too close to Comcrap, I'll stick with Dish for now. I have 4 TVs with DVRs, 2 HD DVRs and the price for those looks high. The 2 HD DVRs also have 3 tuners each that I have gotten used to. I do appreciate this thread and keeping up with the changes, so in the future when we change all of my questions will be answered.

The best way is to go to Verizon's website and it will allow you to enter the street address.

yeah, I've tried various addresses in towns, but I keep getting responses that says there's verizon phone service at XYZ address, and to enter the phone number (which of course I don't know because I don't live there).

The Phillies home opener looked just fine on NBC. The only thing that got me worried was when Harry said "it's up to the bullpen now..." I was right.:mad:

Just checked the OnDemand menu.....There is a High Definition folder......And it has stuff in it too! (At least here in Medford)

Yes, from your post I looked at our On Demand, and there is a decent amount of content in the folders. CBS is the major network that's listed though...still no HBO or premium channel series listings.

Flash was perfect yesterday, closed the game out in his usual style...4 runs in 1/3 inning!:mad:

The Phillies home opener looked just fine on NBC. The only thing that got me worried was when Harry said "it's up to the bullpen now..." I was right.:mad:I could have sworn that I saw the game on CBS 3. I saw that big eye on the upper right corner of the screen. Is that now considered a peacock? ;)

So i came home today and found that verizon updated on demand so that HD content has its own section

Newsman - My bad. :o. That's what I get for posting after I watched the game. Wednesday's game on CW-57. Flyers also on Wednesday (vs. Pens) CSN-HD, but expecting widescreen format. Good thing I'm on decaf :).

NBC...CBS, what's the difference? You had one letter right! I had no idea where the game was being televised, and just played a bit of channel roulette to find. Yes, the PQ was very good...now more guys going to the game need to shave beforehand, maybe even some of the women!!!

What part of Philly are you from? I'm right outside of Jenkintown and have been trying to get FIOS for over a year now. However every time I check I get the generic

"Verizon FiOS Internet service is not available for your home. However we wanted to let you know that you qualify for Verizon High Speed Internet."

Damn you Verizon.
I just joined because I had to comment. I live in Glenside, Pa, Abington Twp, and I am a Verizon cable-splicing technician. FiOS is on the way in Abington, but Verizon is building it by central office coverage. The central office is the local phone exchange building. Half of Abington has Willow Grove exchange TN's;i.e., 638, 657, 659, and we've been building Willow Grove for over a year.

The other half of Abington (except the Rockledge area) is served by the Jenkintown central office which has TN's 884,885,886,887,576,517, etc. Verizon is just now starting to build FiOS out of the Jenkintown office. When you see orange plastic tubes sticking up at the base of poles in the area, they are the innerduct for the future fiber lines.

FYI - the Jenkintown CO is on Greenwood and Summit Aves across from the Jenkintown train station, and the Willow Grove CO is between the new Giant store and the Bally's Holiday on Old York Rd.

I saw some of my fellow splicers today in the McKinley neighborhood actually splicing fiber for FiOS.

So far I still mostly work on the copper lines, but I'll be attending the FiOS video school in Valley Forge next week! I also work on T1 circuits and multiplexers regularly,including the circuits that feed cell towers for every, yes every, cell provider. They ALL go thru Verizon landlines.

I will try to keep this FiOS info updated the best I can. When FiOS gets here, I will get some kind of bonus points for each referral I make, so I'll be looking for customers in this area to order it. I may be able to help expedite installations/ repairs by then, if it's in the scope of my influence.
There's an Infra-Source line truck putting up new strand for FiOS on Cliveden Ave today. Infra-Source used to be Chowns Communications, and Verizon uses them as contractors often. They're putting up the basic stuff because our linemen are too busy. I've been seeing alot of new self-supporting innerduct on the rear property pole runs I frequently work on in Cheltenam and Abington.

I live on Sylvania Ave. We're a little closer to FiOS every day...

(I was accidently posting in the Comcast thread, but now I'm squared away)

thanks for the info but please make a paragraph every few lines or so.

I just joined because I had to comment. I live in Glenside, Pa, Abington Twp, and I am a Verizon cable-splicing technician.

Welcome to AVS. :)

I am aware of the general CO boundaries, but I am not clear on one point. Ten or so years ago, the exchanges (COs?) originating in the 'villages' (neighborhoods) of Jenkintown, Elkins Park, and Cheltenham were combined, as per the phone book; so does that mean the latter two COs were absorbed by Jenkintown CO?

Rockledge is a Boro, (so it is separate from Abington Twp.) AFAIK, the Boro has approved FIOS. They use Cheltenham and, (I think), Jenkintown exchanges, but I don't know if it is all Jenkintown CO at this point. Any word on wiring?

Jenkintown Boro, of course, uses Jenkintown CO. AFAIK, they didn't even approve FIOS. Any word on Boro approval?

(Factoid: Both Rockledge and Jenkintown were once 'villages' within Abington Twp.)

Cheltenham Twp. uses Jenkintown, Elkins Park, and Cheltenham exchanges. Again, I don't if this all Jenkintown CO at this point. The Twp. approved FIOS; Any word on wiring?

And, finally, when will wiring in rental and condo apts. start? (I realize they are done on an individual basis.)

I am asking all these Qs for relatives and friends. ;):)

@GeekGirl,

How are you able to record the 6:30am test pattern ? My guide shows "off air" for the time period that the pattern is scheduled (ie this morning's), according to their web site. Even though I schedule it to record, it doesn't.

What am I mssing short of getting up early to watch it?

Got it this morning, 4/5. The first 30 S was a soccer promo.

DVR is setup for "Off Air", repeats, save last 2 episodes. Maybe you have it setup for first-run only?

I just joined because I had to comment. I live in Glenside, Pa, Abington Twp, and I am a Verizon cable-splicing technician.

Hey there...any idea when FIOS is hitting Jericho Rd. in Abington?

btw...I used to live in an apt. at Sylvania and Jenkintown a few years back :)

Got it this morning, 4/5. The first 30 S was a soccer promo.

DVR is setup for "Off Air", repeats, save last 2 episodes. Maybe you have it setup for first-run only?

I don't see "off air" option. Are you using the Moto 6416 box ?
Repeats, first run are series options. I'm just manually selecting the time slot in the Guide and select record. It just won't record. Tried it 3 times already and am trying again for next Sat by selecting repeats and first run even though that shouldn't affect a manual recording. Or am I wrong on that. (I have selected other repeat shows this way and they did record.)

Sorry, "Off Air" is the title in the IMG. Yes, the Moto 6416 box (QIP6416). I never did it on manual. Since it doesn't work, try deleting the manual recording and enter a scheduled recording for "first-run and repeats". I would not have a manual recording anywhere near that time slot, especially since it's not working.

One glitch. You might not be able to find "Off Air" in the IMG (maybe your manual recording is getting confused because of this?). If not, scroll in the guide by manually stepping through the guide by date / time until you land on it Saturday AM. Then, hit the red "record" button. Once you have that, it's in your schedule. Modify the schedule to "record series". Easier to do this on the Friday before.

Sorry, "Off Air" is the title in the IMG.
One glitch. You might not be able to find "Off Air" in the IMG (maybe your manual recording is getting confused because of this?). If not, scroll in the guide by manually stepping through the guide by date / time until you land on it Saturday AM. Then, hit the red "record" button. Once you have that, it's in your schedule. Modify the schedule to "record series". Easier to do this on the Friday before.

Yes, "off air" is what I see in the guide as well. The bold in your quote is exactly the way I've been doing it, usually on Thurs (I did next week's today though)
The only thing I did NOT do was the "record series". I'll do that and see if it works. Thanks again !

Welcome to AVS. :)

I am aware of the general CO boundaries, but I am not clear on one point. Ten or so years ago, the exchanges (COs?) originating in the 'villages' (neighborhoods) of Jenkintown, Elkins Park, and Cheltenham were combined, as per the phone book; so does that mean the latter two COs were absorbed by Jenkintown CO?

Rockledge is a Boro, (so it is separate from Abington Twp.) AFAIK, the Boro has approved FIOS. They use Cheltenham and, (I think), Jenkintown exchanges, but I don't know if it is all Jenkintown CO at this point. Any word on wiring?

Jenkintown Boro, of course, uses Jenkintown CO. AFAIK, they didn't even approve FIOS. Any word on Boro approval?

(Factoid: Both Rockledge and Jenkintown were once 'villages' within Abington Twp.)

Cheltenham Twp. uses Jenkintown, Elkins Park, and Cheltenham exchanges. Again, I don't if this all Jenkintown CO at this point. The Twp. approved FIOS; Any word on wiring?

And, finally, when will wiring in rental and condo apts. start? (I realize they are done on an individual basis.)

I am asking all these Qs for relatives and friends. ;):)
The Cheltenham & Elkins Park exchanges have been part of the Jenkintown CO for as long as I can remember. Those exchanges can be used anywhere in the footprint of the Jenk wire center, because the switch is in the bldg & any TN generated there can be wired to any line leaving there, so you can have an Elkins Park TN in Roslyn if you wish.

Rockledge and Abington Twp east or south of Cedar Rd are served by the nearest Phila CO, which I do not know the name of because I'm not familiar with city exchanges. They are still known by their original names like Baldwin, Trinity, Evergreen, et al., when you used to have to dial BA1-2345 for BAldwin TNs.

As far as condos and apts., they present their own problems with FiOS deployment, but I've heard we're coming up with some MDU (multiple dwelling unit) ONT's. I'm sure Verizon will not pass up these lucrative opportunities to take more Comcast customers.

There's been some rumor (see below) about wiring FiOS in the suburban areas who are served by city COs out of the nearest suburban CO, but it presents some sort of tariff problems. Only time will tell.

Another rumor is that under the Street administration in Phila, a deal could not be reached for FiOS deployment because of strongarm Comcast tactics involving their HQ and the new hi-rise bldg. (rumor!)

Another rumor is that Mayor Nutter's mother is retired 38 year employee of Bell/ Verizon, and that he is very friendly to Verizon and wants FiOS built in his city rather quickly. (again, rumor!)

I would like to clarify also that I am just a Verizon employee, and anything I say here is from my own perspective and is NOT official Verizon news or information, so I could be wrong on some things. Most of my info is from my own observations, things that mgmt tell me, things that my union (CWA local 13000) tell me, and rumors and innuendo from my coworkers.

Also, as a splicing technician, which is the top outside job at Verizon, I do not nor will I ever be installing FiOS service at customer premises, but I will be dispatched on some repair calls when our Certified Installation and Repair Technicians (CIRTs) are too busy to cover them all in a timely manner.

I am somewhat of a tech nerd and I'm very excited about getting FiOS in my own home, which is why I'm posting here. I currently have a Sony Bravia 1080p 46" HDTV, and I have Directv HD because I will never give Comcast a penny for anything, even if I didn't work for their competition.

Hey there...any idea when FIOS is hitting Jericho Rd. in Abington?

btw...I used to live in an apt. at Sylvania and Jenkintown a few years back :)
Rumor has it that most of the Jenkintown CO footprint will be FiOS ready within a year (or less). I haven't seen any of our line trucks in your neighborhood yet, and I'm there pretty often "de-bridgetapping" cable pairs to make DSL work because of the distance from the CO. The most FiOS work I've noticed lately has been in Cheltenham Twp and Glenside.

The ROUGH boundaries of the Jenkintown CO are: Linwood Gardens Apts, Cedarbrook Mall, Westminster Seminary, most of Oreland, Twining Rd & Jenkintown Rd, Fitzwatertown & Susquehanna Rd, Norwood Rd, Woodland & Easton Rd, Edgehill Rd & York Rd, Valley Rd & Meadowbrook Rd, Huntingdon Pike & Meetinghouse Rd, St Basil's Academy, Cedar Rd & Twp Line Rd, Church & Old York Rd, and back to Linwood Gardens. That should make a rough circle on a map.

...I'm very excited about getting FiOS in my own home....
You won't be disappointed. The service here is very good, and while the HD channels are still somewhat limited, there's hope that any that they add will be as good as what already exists. Your TV deserves a good signal, and you will notice a difference with that set.

I am having a problems with hd-abc, fox and a few other hd channels that show "currently unavailable" on screen. CBS, espn and nbc works fine though. Called verizon, but still doesnt work. I have the motorola qip 6416-2. SNR is 37% AGC is 16%.

From Berlin NJ.

Anyone notice that NJN-HD is NOT HD?

I'm getting WHYY in HD, but the NJN version in the HD tier doesn't ever seem to be showing HD. Maybe I have bad luck in picking times to watch it.... if I'm incorrect, please correct me. But if it should be in HD and for some reason Verizon isn't passing the signal, I want to call them, but I just need confirmation that it's not only me. Or that I'm wrong.

Rockledge and Abington Twp east or south of Cedar Rd are served by the nearest Phila CO
That is baffling, because I know people who live in Rockledge Boro and the Hollywood section of Abington Twp.; it's been a while since I talked to them, but last times I did, they had Cheltenham village exchanges, which is Jenkintown CO. Did people there get new phone numbers a while ago? Or did part of the old Cheltenham village CO footprint go to a Phila. CO? If not, what is the deal there?
As far as condos and apts., they present their own problems with FiOS deployment, but I've heard we're coming up with some MDU (multiple dwelling unit) ONT's. I'm sure Verizon will not pass up these lucrative opportunities to take more Comcast customers.
Is Verizon's plan to wire all houses in a given CO's footprint before starting any MDUs in said CO or not?

You didn't mention the status of Jenkintown Boro; is that because you don't know?

You didn't mention the status of Cheltenham Twp., but I see now, that you do mention, in your next message, that it is indeed being wired.

I just got the 60 day analog shutoff letter in the mail today as the posted schedule predicted (as if that really means a lot :eek:).

Well finally FiOS is available for my house, after having to fight with the CSR's at Verizon the House Address has been updated to the Physical location and not the 911 Gridded location. So i might setup an install date in the next few weeks. Just for the internet currently but might add the Video package as well. What is so nice is if the power goes out i will have the router hooked up to a UPS and have my laptop on hand to keep on the network and have service for a bit of time to keep an eye on what is going on.

Well finally FiOS is available for my house, after having to fight with the CSR's at Verizon the House Address has been updated to the Physical location and not the 911 Gridded location. So i might setup an install date in the next few weeks. Just for the internet currently but might add the Video package as well. What is so nice is if the power goes out i will have the router hooked up to a UPS and have my laptop on hand to keep on the network and have service for a bit of time to keep an eye on what is going on.

You'll also have to have the power supply unit connected to a UPS. The battery backup only supports the POTS segment of FiOS.

The letter for the digital transition just arrived today. Starting date is listed as "beginning in June". The letter promises that "Shortly after this transition, you'll see even more great content from Verizon".

You'll also have to have the power supply unit connected to a UPS. The battery backup only supports the POTS segment of FiOS.

Yes the router unit will also be batter backed up also, i will UPS the battery backup unit also to ensure the unit stays good with power.

Geek Girl, no matter how good a signal we get here, the Flyers didn't look good last night on my set! Hopefully, with the right "adjustment", they can control Ovechkin, and make everything look so much better tonight!

Jim Hef - I was at the game last night. Went down early for the pre-game skate. Was at the glass, right at the Caps tunnel entrance / bench and gave my opinion to Ovechkin in person. :D

I examined the very fine high-res details of the players / equipment for a baseline reference. ;) Also had some interesting discussions with the Caps fans.

Was a guest in one of the suites. The remote to the wall-mount TV (Pioneer 720p) was missing. (At an earlier game, I had the access to the remote and found out they use cable cards). I asked an attendant to put on CSN, she put it on the SD channel. Good thing I remembered that CSN-HD is ComCast channel 200 in Philly. Looked just fine. The next suite over had the Phillies game on- they had a remote for the TV.

The Flyers fell asleep during the 2nd period... :mad:

@geekgirl

I meant to post 2 weks ago that I was finally able to record the HD Net test signal. Thanks again for the info.

Well, last night's game ended surprisingly for me...I thought they bought a ticket to home after the second period! Sad news, today I was offered a ticket to Monday night's game, and couldn't take it due to business commitments! I could also have offered some relevant suggestions to the Montreal skaters since those tix are three rows from the glass! Hopefully, the DVR replay will help me with overcoming my grief about not being in the arena! Truth be told, it's as much as being with my "Buds" after the game, as the game itself!

9 months after they ran the fiber down my street. Had a visit from a verizon salesman at my door yesterday trying to sell me the service, but only if I signed up right then with him. Cost-wise it doesn't seem to be saving my anything and I'd actually be losing 3 HD channel (in exchange for 3 others of course.) I'd lose History HD, Animal Planet HD, and TLC HD and gain HDNet, HDNEt Movies, and Discovery HD. Kind of a wash as I watch things on both sets of channels. In the end I'm not a jump at the one-time only offer kind of guy so I passed.

If I schedule over the internet later can I get the same or better deals with no activation fees, fees to run the line to the house, installation fees, etc.?

Later,

Eric

Everyone Flyered up for tonight?

I just spoke with a FiOS rep to order another high def box, and asked if there's any bundling they can do for a larger number of set box boxes. He stated there will be, but not yet available for high def, but to keep trying back. However, when asked if there were any additional "packages" available, since I have the full service, he proceeded to lower my bill by $28 per month, although I didn't get an explanation of how that was to be asked for...sorry, I was in too much shock at the offer! You may want to call to see if you can get anything from them. 888/438.3467 and when you can, ask for a billing rep.

Everyone Flyered up for tonight?S-Video cable from STB to PC monitor for watching in 2 rooms: check
Main home theater system ready: check
Assorted beverages: check
Flyers gear ready: check
Phillies won today: check

GeekGirl made me aware of this thread so I thought I'd repost from the HDTV Hardware Reception thread:


I just jumped over from the plasma display forum because I was considering switching from Comcast cable to Verizon Fios for Internet, TV and phone.

I write WAS because my initial customer service experience with Verizon Fios was so horrific that (and I can't believe I'm writing this) Comcast appears wonderfully customer-oriented and I've decided that it's better to stay with "the devil I know than switch to the devil I don't know".

I telephoned Verizon to confirm Fios was offered in my neighborhood (Bryn Mawr - suburb of Philadelphia). I called because each time I went online to check, it seemed to generate telemarketing phone calls and snail mail solicitations.

After one hour of waiting on the phone (I was multitasking while waiting), a Fios sales rep came on. I said I was so frustrated by waiting for 1 hour to get through on the phone when I wanted to BUY something, I was discouraged that service would even be worse when I wanted to reach customer service or tech support AFTER I had signed a contract and had Fios installed. Therefore, I had changed my mind about ordering Fios.

The sales rep called back after discussing my bad experience with her supervisor. I was offered many incentives, both financial and equipment/service packages and, frankly, I was impressed enough to now have some goodwill reestablished. I said I would think about it for a couple of days.

Then my experience with Verizon Fios hell came back three-fold. My wife received an email "confirming our Verizon order to install Fios on May 29". I assume my wife's email address is on record with Verizon because we are current land line customers. I hit the roof-- we had NOT ordered Fios!

I then became more angry because I could no longer reach the sales rep to "cancel" the order that I didn't make. I left two voice mail messages. I had been given the dedicated "special" Verizon number to call for customers and those who had place orders. Call wait time was 31 MINUTES! I left a recorded call-back message and my phone number. I then received an automated call back an hour later and was immediately put on hold again for the "next available representative".

A technical support rep finally came on the line and said he would try to cancel my order but I really need to speak to a sales rep. I said I had TRIED to but couldn't reach her.

The next day I was interrupted by an automated phone call from Verizon "confirming my Fios installation order". And, while I'm on the phone again trying to cancel an order I DID NOT MAKE, my door bell rings with a Verizon installation rep to do a "survey" before my upcoming installation. Finally, I was transferred all over Verizon before I could cancel my order- and SEPARATE cancellation for phone...for Internet...and for TV. The bureaucratic process of dealing various Verizon departments was awful for something which should be transparent to a customer/prospect. I don't care whether it's the copper or cable or Fios or Philadelphia or Pittsburgh department!

I know, I should have just let Verizon show up and be sent away. But I was more than a little, um, annoyed. At this point, it's impossible for me to rationally consider Verizon Fios, despite being arguably faster, better, cheaper, when Comcast seems to have improved its customer service act.

Is this horror story unique or fairly representative of other Verizon Fios customer service experience?

All my experiences with FIOS customer service and technicians have all been excellent and efficient. Nothing like what you describe.

While I agree that the phone waiting is annoying, my experiences with the reps has been nothing but pleasant, however, I was excited about getting the installation, so that may have tempered my being on hold so long. It's a drag to need to wait so long, even when needing to order additional equipment, so Verizon needs to figure out how many reps they need to add to service the number of new installations they want to have.

Mainline, I can only tell you that it's worth it to have the installation, and you'll be happy with the results, even if the ordering is a bad experience. Question though: from what you wrote above, it seems you may have cancelled your phone service also? Did you want to do that?

GeekGirl...we have them where we want them for tomorrow night's game! Keep the beverages cold, but possibly take off that "unlucky" jersey!

[QUOTE=Jim Hef;13726984]
Mainline, I can only tell you that it's worth it to have the installation, and you'll be happy with the results, even if the ordering is a bad experience. Question though: from what you wrote above, it seems you may have cancelled your phone service also? Did you want to do that?
QUOTE]

No, I still have my old Verizon landline; I just didn't take the Fios fibre optic cable part of the "triple-play" Fios package of phone, Internet and TV.

From the people I spoke to in different departments at Verizon, sales and customer service; "copper" and Fios; and certainly Verizon Wireless, are very different entities with the "left hand" and the "right hand" having no knowledge of each other so there is no seamless customer experience.

Now I have Comcast animus again because of the pixilation, break-up and dropped sound last night during "Lost" -- that others have already written about. Stayed-tuned, I my end up tip-toeing back to approach Verizon Fios again. As Casey Stengel lamented, "Can't anybody here play this game?".

If you read back about a year ago in this thread, you'd see that your problem is exactly what was happening to me, and why I was so happy to switch when it was first available. Comcast has literally rebuilt our entire neighborhood, and my neighbors are still experiencing the same problem with them. We've had intermittent difficulties, probably weather related transmission problems from the feed, but nothing to speak of. The Guide still sucks generally, with Comcast's implementation being much better, and more easily routed through, but that's about it. Supposedly we are getting many more high def channels this summer, after the June "all digital" turnover, but the rep thought many of those will be "upconverted" channels, just broadcasting more old stuff in a 16:9 format, and really not high def filming such as Discovery HD.

GeekGirl...we have them where we want them for tomorrow night's game! Keep the beverages cold, but possibly take off that "unlucky" jersey!Yep, jersey relegated back to storage. Need the coffee mug, though.

Phillies on CN8 tonight :mad:. Sixers on CSN. Rangers vs. Penguins on VS.

Phillies live pitch-by-pitch feed on internet. The radar reports the speed, angle, inches vertical / horizontal displacement. In addition to plate location and type of pitch thrown. :cool:

My TV cost is 1/2 that of Comcast. However, I'm missing the Phillies game and don't have the NHL network.

The internet and phone quality is excellent. Billing is another area, but that's after the sale. I changed my credit card (automated payment) and they haven't figured out how to pay my bill with it for 2 months. Customer service promised to fix it. Nope.

Phillies live pitch-by-pitch feed on internet. The radar reports the speed, angle, inches vertical / horizontal displacement. In addition to plate location and type of pitch thrown. :cool:

the internet is a big place, were is this at on the internet.

From the Phillies web site, Gameday Pitch-by-Pitch under the main story on left side of page. http://philadelphiaphillies.com/

Brings you to: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2008_04_25_phimlb_pitmlb_1&mode=gameday

Got my DCT700 today. Activation no problem. Diagnostics menu: Power OFF, OK.

Interesting that it noted Channel 46 had a blue screen which said "This station having temporary technical difficulties". My STB just wouldn't go there, no error. DCT700 must have newer firmware.

I just posted detailed info about the DCT700 (Digital Adapter) diagnostics menu over on DSL reports: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r20389024-Digital-Adapter-DCT700-Diagnostics-Menu

:D:D Flyers !!!! :D:D

And now for a public service announcement from your WeatherScan Local 49:
Starting April 28, the Lower Makefield Township government channel will be moved from channel 29 to channel 20.

:D:D Flyers !!!! :D:D

Although the game was on Vs last night, the picture quality was good, so it wasn't too bad. I had hoped that Universal HD would cover the game, but perhaps it wasn't even broadcast in high def. Wonder if the satellite services had it that way? Channel surfing the Phillies, Flyers and the NFL draft left me with some carpal tunnel syndrome!

Glad you took off the "unlucky 'sweater' " for last nights victory!

:D:D Flyers !!!! :D:D
The Lower Makefield Township government channel has moved from channel 29 to channel 20.
Those announcers were waxing poetic metaphors as a substitute for play-by-play. Sounded like a theatrical acting class. Sure wish Bill Clement could be there.
:D:D Flyers !!!! :D:D

Starting Wednesday, all the remaining playoff games with the Canadiens will be broadcast on CSN, so we're back to announcers that know what a hockey game is! At one point, the guy admitted that he didn't know the rule for a 5 minute major..."oh, they get to score at will for five minutes?" The one good comment made was "the Flyers are one of the best teams in the NHL for scoring short handed goals." 5 seconds later they did just that last night! :)

That bumps the Phillies to CN8. Under the circumstances, I can live with that.

Question to anybody who may have this problem . every once in awhile my set goes blank no picture.I then change channels and it comes back or turn off the box then the picture is back anybody have this problem at all.not sure if it's my set or fios.

You may want to ask them to replace your present cable box. Sounds like that would be the problem, not your set.

What you haven't mentioned is if the sound is OK, but the picture is black. Is that what you have?

Very, very rarely, but I have seen the problem. During power-up or maybe when I change channels. Changing channels again fixes it. It's your box. Not doing it enough for me to worry about at this point. Like once a month or so.

Update: :D:D Flyers !!! :D:D

anyone have Versus reappear yet? They really need to find a better way to blackout these games. The Flyers game has been done for almost an hour and Versus is till being blacked out. Can't even watch the Stars-Sharks game. Pretty pathetic.

i turned it on as soon as the flyers game was over and the next game was on.

that was vs. hd not the sd channel.

i turned it on as soon as the flyers game was over and the next game was on.

that was vs. hd not the sd channel.

I'm guessing your experience wasn't on FIOS since they don't carry VS HD.

I haven't really noticed if the sound is gone or not i'll have to check that next time it happens but so far it seems to happen only once in awhile, just catches me off guard all of a sudden no picture change channel and it's back again.

Any having issues with CBS 3 HD when CBS network does an update, or election coverage. Its available on SD, but black video on HD?

Hey IPman,

Thanks for the heads up, I actually live in Rockledge a super small township/borough right outside of Abington. I will contact the borough office tomorrow and see whats going on.

I've been waiting forever for FIOS, hopefully it will get resolved soon.

Thanks again for all the info.


This has been quite some time- but did you ever get an answer?

Rumor has it that most of the Jenkintown CO footprint will be FiOS ready within a year (or less). I haven't seen any of our line trucks in your neighborhood yet, and I'm there pretty often "de-bridgetapping" cable pairs to make DSL work because of the distance from the CO. The most FiOS work I've noticed lately has been in Cheltenham Twp and Glenside.

The ROUGH boundaries of the Jenkintown CO are: Linwood Gardens Apts, Cedarbrook Mall, Westminster Seminary, most of Oreland, Twining Rd & Jenkintown Rd, Fitzwatertown & Susquehanna Rd, Norwood Rd, Woodland & Easton Rd, Edgehill Rd & York Rd, Valley Rd & Meadowbrook Rd, Huntingdon Pike & Meetinghouse Rd, St Basil's Academy, Cedar Rd & Twp Line Rd, Church & Old York Rd, and back to Linwood Gardens. That should make a rough circle on a map.

Hi Splice,

Where does Baederwood fall into the picture? We're in Abington TWP., but our post office is Jenkintown. Any ideas? We are between Old York Road and Highland Avenue, past Abington Library.

Where does Baederwood fall into the picture? We're in Abington TWP., but our post office is Jenkintown. Any ideas? We are between Old York Road and Highland Avenue, past Abington Library.
From what Splicenator wrote, it appears there are only two factors in getting FIOS. First, your municipality approving it; Abington Twp. has. Second, Verizon starts working on one of the phone CO areas in the municipality; yours, I would think, would be Jenkintown CO, and he said Verizon just started working on that CO. The other half of Abington Twp. is Willow Grove CO, and he said it hasn't started yet.

:D:D Flyers !! :D:D With the usual excellent commentary by Bill Clement explaining (twice) the rules of the game for why goals should count and the refs got it right.

Did anyone else have loss of signal midway through the 2nd period? Right in the middle of a power play...

Phillies - Interesting that the internet Pitch-by-Pitch http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2008_05_03_sfnmlb_phimlb_1&mode=gameday was sometimes ahead of WPHT-AM radio broadcast. That's some serious on-air delay.

:D:D Flyers !! :D:D

Did anyone else have loss of signal midway through the 2nd period? Right in the middle of a power play...

Everything was fine here.......Let's Go Flyers!!!!!

Don't remember that happening here, but I could have been up for a break when it occurred. Exciting game, as they all were, and now onto the next round! Here's hoping it's Pittsburgh...Crosby is fun to watch!

How nice would it be to have Vs. HD for ECF and Cup Finals?

Who would have thought that this would be a concern THIS season, what a ride for our Flyers.

How nice would it be to have Vs. HD for ECF and Cup Finals?

Who would have thought that this would be a concern THIS season, what a ride for our Flyers.

Ok, I think we got off-topic, but VS. might be the worst sports broadcast in hockey. Just awful.

Agreed, Versus' commentators are just awful! Looking at the upcoming series schedule, it appears that Versus has the entire series except for the NBC telecast for the fifth game. Hopefully that gets revised and Comcast gets a shot for the games and gives us the high-def coverage. If not, I think I need to invite myself to a friend's house to watch that still has Comcast, and Versus HD.

no games are going to comcast from here to the end of the playofffs.
they mentioned it at the end of the flyers game 5.
they signed off and said no more games on comcast tv.

it's all Vs. and nbc

sigh.....guess we'll be watching in SD. Yuck! C'mon, Verizon - please give us Versus HD just for this series?

so it seems we will NOT have the Flyers in HD for game #1....very frustrating. :mad: :mad:

or games 2,3 or 4 or games 6 or 7.

Only the NBC game will be HD on Fios, and I don't think that there is any way to make Vs. HD available by any other way.

who's carrying the finals? VS again?

Am I the only one able to follow this? (Rhetorical question)

Let me explain.

All games remaining will not be on CSN.
They will be on VS and NBC. Likely NBC will not carry Hockey until well into the Stanley Cup Finals.
FIOS does not and, likely, will not get VS in HD for the remainder of this season
Therefore, only the games on NBC (none announced, yet) will be in HD.

Capisce?

From what I've read, the rumor is that we'll get more HD at the end of June. But I trust that like I trust my dog unsupervised with a cookie.

NBC has game 5 (if necessary) of the Flyers/Penguins series on Sunday May 18, 2008 3:00 pm start time. All other Flyers/Pens are on Vs. 7:30 pm start time.

And, Versus HD is available on Comcast, so, as I will, invite yourself to a friend's place to watch the series!

Go Flyers...Kill Crosby!!!

Just got FiOS fired up in West Chester and it's GREAT. Much better PQ than the old Comcast cable. My question is this: does anyone know if it's possible to program buttons on the remote? I know I can punch in numbers to map to my TV and VCR, etc., but I'd like to put a couple of macros in if possible. There's nothing in the manual on this and I've done a quick search of this thread and found nothing.

I think you'd need to purchase a Harmony universal remote, or similar, to do any macros. Sony has an inexpensive universal, but I don't know if that has macro capabilities. You can find it in the Sony Store, and they sometimes have them for about $15 as a refurbished unit.

The "discount" that I wrote about a few days ago is called "Triple Freedom", and it's a bundle now offered for those having TV, phone and internet from Verizon. If you haven't asked for it, give them a call.

@AceWriter:

Try this link out.

http://www22.verizon.com/ResidentialHelp/FiOSTV/Remote+Controls/SetUp/SetUp.htm

Maybe it has what you are looking for?

@AceWriter:

Try this link out.

http://www22.verizon.com/ResidentialHelp/FiOSTV/Remote+Controls/SetUp/SetUp.htm

Maybe it has what you are looking for?

Bronowyn,

Thanks but this isn't quite what I wanted. These tell me how to map whole components into the AUX, TV, and other buttons, but what I was hoping to find were instructions on how I might be able to program the little triangular "A" button, for example, to switch to a specific input on my receiver when in AUX mode or how to program that same button to execute multiple instructions at once. I suspect these remotes don't support that level of programming. I already have a massive Sony universal remote, and I could have it learn all the important buttons from the FiOS remote, but I was kind of hoping I could get the FiOS remote to do a lot of the tricky things my universal remote does -- and that way retain all the STB-specific buttons on the FiOS remote. We'll see....

I suspect these remotes don't support that level of programming.

You're exactly right..... It is a very basic universal remote. Other than programing in your equipment, you're SOL.

BTW, The lettered buttons across the bottom were originally intended to be used as widget shortcuts. As a matter of fact, the 'A' button still brings up widgets as it always has.

As someone already recommended, I would recommend a Harmony remote as it is very easily customized to your demands.

:mad::mad: Flyers !!! :mad::mad: Picture quality for Versus-SD was fine. Audio drove me nuts. When the announcer compared a drive up the slot to Eric Dickerson, I almost puked. How about comparing the play to someone who plays hockey? Anyone? Fired up WIP 610 AM and listened to a very tolerable 2 second delay with Tim Saunders and Brian Propp. Nice. Any chance to get Bill Clement in the booth?

They looked worse than the Caps did at giving up the puck. Give Biron an assist on the Pens goal....

The Phillies were in widescreen on CSN-HD. J-rol is back!:)

Blood clots are not our friends! Malkin was completely nailed at the net, and the Flyers on the ice figured he'd limp to the bench. He tried, but only made it to the blue line...the rest was a thing of beauty! He needs to be hit like that every chance they get, and maybe he'll miss his next breakaway!

Yes, the Versus guys are the worst, but the delay would bother me to listen to the radio broadcast. Have tried that in the past with the Eagles, and it made it unwatchable for me.

Sorry I haven't been on here in a while! Yes, Baederwood is entirely in the Jenkintown CO footprint. If you go out Valley Rd you run into the Bethayres CO area at around Springhouse Rd. Bethayres CO has most of it's area already FiOS'd.

Since I last posted here I have completed the FiOS video school at our Valley Forge facility and went on a 3 day "ride-along" with another FiOS knowledgeable splicer on maintenance calls only. Of course now they have me fixing the copper lines every day again, as the FiOS work seems to have slowed a bit. I still spend alot of time on T1 circuits for businesses & cell towers.

As far as my FiOS ride-along, I must say it's quite different for this career Bell Telephone man to all of a sudden be the "cable guy." There is so much to know to not look stupid in front of the customers.

The guys (& girls) who've been doing it a couple years are proficient, but I'm going to need practice. Which is why I can't wait to get FiOS myself so I can play with it & be well-versed when in customer homes.

I've seen our linemen in the area putting up the fiber cables, mostly in Wyncote & Glenside in Cheltenham Twp. My construction splicing brethren from the Trevose garage recently spliced in a FiOS distribution box in Jenkintown Boro on Walnut St near Summit Ave, so maybe the Boro is next in line; I don't know!

I'll try to stay current.

Sorry I haven't been on here in a while! Yes, Baederwood is entirely in the Jenkintown CO footprint. If you go out Valley Rd you run into the Bethayres CO area at around Springhouse Rd. Bethayres CO has most of it's area already FiOS'd.

Since I last posted here I have completed the FiOS video school at our Valley Forge facility and went on a 3 day "ride-along" with another FiOS knowledgeable splicer on maintenance calls only. Of course now they have me fixing the copper lines every day again, as the FiOS work seems to have slowed a bit. I still spend alot of time on T1 circuits for businesses & cell towers.

As far as my FiOS ride-along, I must say it's quite different for this career Bell Telephone man to all of a sudden be the "cable guy." There is so much to know to not look stupid in front of the customers.

The guys (& girls) who've been doing it a couple years are proficient, but I'm going to need practice. Which is why I can't wait to get FiOS myself so I can play with it & be well-versed when in customer homes.

I've seen our linemen in the area putting up the fiber cables, mostly in Wyncote & Glenside in Cheltenham Twp. My construction splicing brethren from the Trevose garage recently spliced in a FiOS distribution box in Jenkintown Boro on Walnut St near Summit Ave, so maybe the Boro is next in line; I don't know!

I'll try to stay current.

Thanks for the update, Splice.

Flyers only need to win four straight, so they're not out of it yet!!! :(

Yo Flyers fans- Have a DVR? The audio from WIP 610 AM was delayed about 22 seconds from Versus. Yes, twenty-two, as in 22. PITA to figure it out, but it's in the right direction (vs. the Eagles which has the video delayed from the audio). Hit "Pause", then "Play" 22 seconds later. Perfect. Enjoy the game. It might be the last one of the year :(, but I hope not.

Excellent solution!

What a difference a day or two makes! Nice job by the Flyers to extend the series, and the Versus guys weren't overly silly with their commentary. I was at a meeting last night though, and listened to part of the game on radio on my way home. The WIP broadcast is vastly superior to the Versus commentary, but then again, they need to set a visual of the game, something we'd probably feel is intrusive for a TV broadcaster.

Well, the audio sync worked on Tuesday. Last night, I gave up trying to sync WIP 610 AM with Versus because of exactly that reason - the need to give a better visual description. I couldn't find the "sweet spot" for matching Versus vs. WIP.

Tuesday's announcers were so bad, that WIP was no problem. Versus was better last night and WIP is slipping. WIP missed a face-off and talked through a few plays. We get the NBC guys on Sunday, 3 PM.

So Philly is still left out in the cold waiting for Fios to come inside the big bad city :(

So Philly is still left out in the cold waiting for FiOS....
You may be waiting for awhile. It seems it's a political issue between the city and Verizon since it should be a relatively easy "stringing" of cables through the various areas. Once a franchise agreement was in place in our area, it was still months until we had the TV service, and they were only working in our area at the time. Question though: does Verizon offer the FiOS service for phone and internet yet within the City?

You may be waiting for awhile. It seems it's a political issue between the city and Verizon

:(



Question though: does Verizon offer the FiOS service for phone and internet yet within the City?


No, V* only offers DSL at this time. I left V* 3 months ago for Comcast Internet service.............I have a need for speed:p


I have a Tin-Hat theory that V* only wishes to deal with the more affluent areas "around" Philly and save the city for last......if ever.
Is that black helicopters I hear outside? :rolleyes:

So Philly is still left out in the cold waiting for Fios to come inside the big bad city :(

As I understand it, Verizon is not allowed to offer FIOS within the city limits. I think it was a Comcast deal?

Sh!t :(

...I have a Tin-Hat theory that V* only wishes to deal with the more affluent areas "around" Philly....
Yes, conspiracy theory, but one that the Inquirer reported on...never seemed to go too far after that.

:(






No, V* only offers DSL at this time. I left V* 3 months ago for Comcast Internet service.............I have a need for speed:p


I have a Tin-Hat theory that V* only wishes to deal with the more affluent areas "around" Philly and save the city for last......if ever.
Is that black helicopters I hear outside? :rolleyes:

VZ has been working in Philly. Each month the Verizon.com/pa site has a construciton update. May they are working here;

PHILADELPHIA
ARCH ST
CHESTNUT ST
FRANKLIN TOWN BLVD
MARKET ST
N 3 ST
N AMERICAN ST
N PENN ST
S 13 ST
S 18 ST
SPRUCE ST

Great to hear......thx

A friend on mine sent me a link to the Fort Wayne, IN FiOS channel lineup. Looks like we're in store for some very interesting channels being added to the high-def mix, but possibly an entire remix of the channel numbering system if their guide is used in this area. Latino channels from 1500 thru 1800, and Music moves to 1800 thru 1900! Check it out...52 HD channels by my count, and includes the Big Ten Network in HD so I can view my Lions:

http://www22.verizon.com/NROneRetail/NR/rdonlyres/DDF52435-30A8-4F2F-9487-E19F9840DD08/0/Fort_Wayne_IN_effective_6_30.pdf

Way to go! NHL Center Ice :), Weather Channel HD, Sci-Fi HD. No NASA channel, though.

It's interesting though, that they have no VOD HD in that lineup.

HD VOD is available through the VOD Menu. If you mean HD PPV, it's listed as ch 1001.

It's interesting though, that they have no VOD HD in that lineup.

HD VOD is available through the VOD Menu. If you mean HD PPV, it's listed as ch 1001.

No, look under VOD 3rd column from the right on pg2. NO hd folder.

Here on L.I., we don't have the new hd channel additions shown in that guide but we do have vod free hd broadcast tv, mtv, [showtime, starz,(if subscribed)] discovery, fear, etc, etc..

Verizon finally signed a cable franchise with Bristol Township yesterday. Yipee! About time! We should have FiOS available by the end of the year.

If that's the case, keep pestering Verizon to get busy in your Township. It does take awhile to get the service rolled out, even after the agreement is signed.

Has anyone else been getting the phone calls about the service changing this month? At the end they tell you that you can hang up if you have a cable box on every television, so I did that. Wondering what the rest of the message said though, after the fact!

Has anyone else been getting the phone calls about the service changing this month? At the end they tell you that you can hang up if you have a cable box on every television, so I did that. Wondering what the rest of the message said though, after the fact!

Assuming that it's the change to all digital, it would be the offer for free digital adapter(s), if you do NOT have a cable box on every tv (ie: direct plugin for analog channels)

HD VOD is available through the VOD Menu. If you mean HD PPV, it's listed as ch 1001.

No, look under VOD 3rd column from the right on pg2. NO hd folder.

Here on L.I., we don't have the new hd channel additions shown in that guide but we do have vod free hd broadcast tv, mtv, [showtime, starz,(if subscribed)] discovery, fear, etc, etc..

On Long Island... posting to a Philly board... about the Indiana channel lineup? OK, let me see if I can throw a few more locations into the mix.

The PA line-up doesn't list HD VOD, yet I have it. The New York lineup doesn't list it either, yet customers there also have it. The just-released Oregon lineup (with the new channel additions) doesn't list it either. Same with Metro DC and Maryland. So I'm not sure what was 'interesting' about it not being on Indiana's lineup. Can you explain?

Sure, simple...those guide dates are all Feb 2008, before the vod hd was available in those locations. The Indiana, and Oregon guides, are all "in the future", where supposedly the vod hd is already in place. Interesting, as in, incomplete info . Got it ?

Edit : As far as posting to a Philly thread (not board), lots of great info here that is not location specific ( I see you don't list your location, although above post states PA- 1 1/2 yr member and 13 posts, al but one, in 2 Philly threads)

When will Germantown section west of Germantown Avenue get Vz-FiOS.

Homeowner is considering Vz-triple-DIRECTv offer but would prefer to wait on FiOS if it is coming.:confused:

Thanks for all facts, rumors, and speculation from this community.

Has anyone else using the 6146 noticed the Big Three HD stations cutting out over the HDMI interface lately? Not sure if it's a local feed problem. I walked out of the room for not quite an hour today, and when I came back my panel was just sitting there waiting for a signal. I had to switch to a SD channel and then back to HD to get the signal to redisplay. Been having other odd but infrequent problems over HDMI for the last few weeks.

Which big three? My 6416 occassionally drops the video on power-up, but switching to another station and back fixes it.

My age is showing! :) ABC, CBS, NBC.

I've had this power-up drop too. This is the first time I've actually had the HDMI HD signal drop after it's been on for a bit.

Aston Pa WHEN?

My age is showing! :) ABC, CBS, NBC. I've had this power-up drop too. This is the first time I've actually had the HDMI HD signal drop after it's been on for a bit.OK, I remember when they didn't consider FOX a real network either. :p The "drops" I have are where the video is a black screen, but the audio is good. That means the STB has the channel decoded OK, but something is messed up in the video path, IOW there's a problem in the box.

The next time that happens, don't do anything except go right into the STB's diagnostic menu and see if there's any problem with the signal. It wouldn't hurt to check to see if you have a channel lock, good SNR and AGC "d04 Inband Status". It's all in the Verizon FiOS FAQ on dslreports.com: http://www.dslreports.com/faq/15925. I suspect this will be OK.

However, dropping the video if you haven't changed anything is a bit unusual. I wonder if it's heat related? While you're in the diagnostics menu, take a look at your hard drive temperature, "d13 DVR/HDD Status" These boxes are under a lot of stress and running hot makes them very unhappy. Post the numbers if you have any problems figuring out what they mean.

FYI: There's also a Verizon FiOS TV forum: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/vzfiostv

OK, I remember when they didn't consider FOX a real network either. :p The "drops" I have are where the video is a black screen, but the audio is good. That means the STB has the channel decoded OK, but something is messed up in the video path, IOW there's a problem in the box.

The next time that happens, don't do anything except go right into the STB's diagnostic menu and see if there's any problem with the signal. It wouldn't hurt to check to see if you have a channel lock, good SNR and AGC "d04 Inband Status". It's all in the Verizon FiOS FAQ on dslreports.com: http://www.dslreports.com/faq/15925. I suspect this will be OK.

However, dropping the video if you haven't changed anything is a bit unusual. I wonder if it's heat related? While you're in the diagnostics menu, take a look at your hard drive temperature, "d13 DVR/HDD Status" These boxes are under a lot of stress and running hot makes them very unhappy. Post the numbers if you have any problems figuring out what they mean.

FYI: There's also a Verizon FiOS TV forum: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/vzfiostv

It happened again after about 2 hours on one HD station (CBS). Before I went into the diag menu I tried switching HDMI inputs on my panel (Pioneer 1150HD), jostling the HDMI cable connector entering the TV from the STB, and turning off then turning back on the TV. All were unsuccessful.

I went into diag mode to see... nothing. Even the diag screen was not showing up on the panel display, even though the display on the STB showed it was in diag mode. I had to quickly turn off the STB and turn it back on. Went back into diag mode, but at this point the only realistic thing I could get was HD temp, since once I turned it back on the signal was re-established. HD temp was 108F with a max of 133F; there were zero overtemp indicators. The actual temp was surprising, as I have way more than the needed space at either side and above the STB for ventilation. Regardless, if it was temp related it should continue to happen more frequently after the first occurrence, so I'm not sure it's that.

Just as a matter of checking, one tuner was at ~37dB signal strength, the other at ~38dB.

You couldn't see the diagnostic menu even though it was on the front panel? That's your STB. You should always be able to see the diagnostic menu. Even if your box is not authorized (like a new digital adapter), that menu has to display on your TV.

I'd call for a replacement. Tell them that it's dropping the signal in the middle of watching shows without doing anything. When that happens, it won't display the setup menu on your TV but it you can see it on the front panel (they might not understand the diagnostic menu). That points to the STB.

First thing they will do is reset your box. Of course it will work. You need to tell them that it happens after a while, it's intermittent, and happening a lot. You don't have confidence in the box and please send a new one.

Don't forget that you will lose whatever you have stored on the DVR when you get a replacement.

Signals of 37 dB - 38 dB are OK.

Don't forget that you will lose whatever you have stored on the DVR when you get a replacement.

Signals of 37 dB - 38 dB are OK.

That's the kicker. I can live with it a while, as when it does happen it will recover if I switch to the SD channel and then back to a HD channel (not sure what that might tell you, as they're both over HDMI). In the meantime I'll have to save off the content so that I can eventually get around to watching it all.

Right now, there's a problem with ESPN-HD and Sunday Night Baseball. A number of people reporting "channel unavailable", but OK in SD. Includes me. http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r20611306-ESPNHD-ESPN2HD-Off-Air

Had lots of audio drop-outs during the race on Saturday afternoon, but just considered it a problem from the feed, and not the Verizon transmission. Am I getting jaded toward the quality of FiOS??? I didn't do any channel roulette during that time to see if it was happening on other channels.

Just had some fallout from the thunderstorms last night. In case anyone else has the same problem, add an ONT reset to your debug list.

We dropped power due to a transformer blowout about 3 poles down from my house. Awesome. Power was cycling every few seconds until it finally dropped for good. I turned off everything with a motor in it while this was going on to save from burn-out (fridge, AC, etc.).

Note: The UPS again paid for itself by protection my Sammy DLP's lamp from heat stress. It keeps the fan going for the few minutes the TV needs to get the lamp cooled down.

Had no internet access. Router indicated WAN was down, LAN OK. Yellow LED on the "Internet" indicator.

FiOS TV and phone were OK, but the STB had a warning that it could not find the guide info. Widgets also didn't work.

Called Verizon and they reset the ONT. All OK now. Turns out that this is common after thunderstorms. To do this yourself: Just drop power to the ONT for a few minutes and it reboots on power-up. You need to disconnect the battery from the BBU. Instructions are here: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r20622681-FiOS-down-ONT-battery-dead

Is anyone else watching the US Open on NBC HD? I've been noticing throughout the broadcast that the image will suddenly revert back to 4:3 for no apparent reason, and then after several seconds or maybe 10 seconds or so will switch back to HD widescreen. Anyone else seeing this?

thats because nbc doesnt know how to do an overlay without switching out of HD.
they do the same thing dutring hockey games to sell flyers tix.

today they(nbc) were showing weather alerts.
sometimes the alert didnt appear and nbc just switched back to HD.

i was watching abc, monsters inc.
abc knows how to do an alert overly without switching out of HD.

Thanks for the explanation. Yeah, I have noticed that ABC (and even CBS) seem to know how to do HD broadcasting way better than NBC.

Thanks for the explanation. Yeah, I have noticed that ABC (and even CBS) seem to know how to do HD broadcasting way better than NBC.It has nothing to do with "know how." It has everything to do with the fact that NBC is still limited in what they can do in 16:9. Their equipment in the studio and field is geared for 4:3 SD. They are building a new control room and studio for the transition to 16:9 HD. Once done, then they can run their crawls and you won't lose the 16:9 picture. Expect to see them in 16:9 HD in August or September (maybe October or later, if there are delays - which can happen in the transition). I agree it is annoying. But, I deal w/ it, as I know the crawl will end and the 16:9 picture will come back.

I dvr'ed "ell's Kitchen"to watch later in the week. It was from Tuesday the day some of the big t-storms rolled through. Fox is worse than NBC. They can't even do the station ID in 16:9 so they shrink. For the weather alert they shrink the picture to 4:3 then put in in a small box on the top center surrounded by blue graphics with the weather alert on the bottom. I swear local operators don't watch their own stations in 16:9 HD or they would be as dissapointed as we are.

It's annoying, but the transition is expected, and hopefully by next year at this time the major networks will all be in step with the times! Silly though that NBC has taken so long to implement what should have been foreseen years ago.

I get surveys from time to time from eRewards. Generally I get disqualified before they start, but the other day I got a FIOS survey.

They asked me about "saving DVR settings online", "watching recorded content on other devices" (ala slingbox?), and other functions.

I thought it was interesting, though i'll go gray before I actually see this happen.

Has anyone received any mailings from Verizon about the "roll out" for the new cable lineup? I've only received the initial letter that told things would change with becoming fully digital.

Nothing here. Thought I saw a crawler on WeatherScan local about being 100% digital, but I'm not connected into my QAM tuner right now to check. The Verizon FiOS Programming thread has a posting that Philly's not doing anything until 8/25. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=14148813&postcount=6617

Any new converts from Comcast to FIOS? I've been on the fence about it and with the cramming of HD channels on Comcast, the PQ is so bad... it's now time to jump ship.

What promo's are you seeing to sign up and what "gotchas" have you found?

Any new converts from Comcast to FIOS? I've been on the fence about it and with the cramming of HD channels on Comcast, the PQ is so bad... it's now time to jump ship.

What promo's are you seeing to sign up and what "gotchas" have you found?

Not aware of any promo's at the moment, but I also haven't been looking. The biggest gotcha with FiOS is that the Motorola HD-DVRs and HD-STBs that they rent you are absolute crap. There's no native output option, so they force scaling to either 720p or 1080i at the box regardless of the program's actual resolution (and believe me, their internal scaler isn't the greatest). They're also extremely unreliable -- sometimes they won't record shows they're supposed to even when programmed correctly. They'll occasionally flake out for no apparent reason and refuse to do anything until a hard reset is performed. There's also a known (and confirmed by Verizon tech support) issue regarding the HDMI ports on all Motorola HD boxes not working. Tech support is also extremely unhelpful.

That said, internet speed and HD PQ is the best you can find for any price, and even w/o promos, you'll probably save money by switching to FiOS from Comcast. Just get TiVo or some other 3rd party HD box if you don't have one already.

...There's also a known (and confirmed by Verizon tech support) issue regarding the HDMI ports on all Motorola HD boxes not working...

Is that non-DVR's ? I have two HD DVR's (6416) and use HDMI on both.

Not aware of any promo's at the moment, but I also haven't been looking. The biggest gotcha with FiOS is that the Motorola HD-DVRs and HD-STBs that they rent you are absolute crap. There's no native output option, so they force scaling to either 720p or 1080i at the box regardless of the program's actual resolution (and believe me, their internal scaler isn't the greatest). They're also extremely unreliable -- sometimes they won't record shows they're supposed to even when programmed correctly. They'll occasionally flake out for no apparent reason and refuse to do anything until a hard reset is performed. There's also a known (and confirmed by Verizon tech support) issue regarding the HDMI ports on all Motorola HD boxes not working. Tech support is also extremely unhelpful.

That said, internet speed and HD PQ is the best you can find for any price, and even w/o promos, you'll probably save money by switching to FiOS from Comcast. Just get TiVo or some other 3rd party HD box if you don't have one already.

Sounds like the same problems I have with my Comcast DVR... no native, flakey recordings. They use the 6416 box. What flavor does Version use?

However, the HDMI problem could be a show stopper. Does this happen with all the STB's? Even the HD and/or DVR???

If there is no HMDI output, then I'll stay with Comcast.

If you use a Tivo or other, then can you use whatever on-demand function that Verizon offers? On Comcast, it's a no.

I'd be interested in thoughts on the Verizon DVR for folks that have that.

thanks again - steve

You certainly do have HDMI output. Works fine. There are rare(?) problems with a few models: syncing of the HDMI "handshake". There's also a "green line" known bug in the software. STB is the QIP6416, AVS forum thread is here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=617635&page=117 Nothing that should stop you from moving to FiOS.

Broadband reports also has a Verizon FiOS forum: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/vzfiostv

Sounds like the same problems I have with my Comcast DVR... no native, flakey recordings. They use the 6416 box. What flavor does Version use?

However, the HDMI problem could be a show stopper. Does this happen with all the STB's? Even the HD and/or DVR???

If there is no HMDI output, then I'll stay with Comcast.

If you use a Tivo or other, then can you use whatever on-demand function that Verizon offers? On Comcast, it's a no.

I'd be interested in thoughts on the Verizon DVR for folks that have that.

thanks again - steve

Yeah, sorry, I should have been more clear about the HDMI issues. My HD-STB (the 6200) does have an HDMI port which has never worked. I've heard that this is not uncommon. Throughout multiple conversations with Verizon tech support (extremely unhelpful in my experience -- and again I've heard this is not uncommon), I've been told that this is a known issue with the Motorola firmware for all of their set-top boxes. I've got the box connected directly to a known-good HDMI port on my Onkyo TX-SR875 using a known-good HDMI cable, and the 875 says "No Input." This happens regardless of the order I turn on devices. I also have a 6416 HD-DVR box with which I've experienced no HDMI issues, but is extremely unreliable for recording and just flaky in general.

Reportedly, Verizon will be upgrading to 7000 series STBs and DVRs (http://www22.verizon.com/ResidentialHelp/FiOSTV/Receivers/Equipment+Issues/Top+Questions.htm) in July. No word yet on how much of an improvement they are over the 6000 series. Personally I plan on trying to get the 7000 boxes, and if they're not a significant improvement, I'll try MythTV or TiVo.

In the meantime, I use component + optical, which really, is just as good (http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/dvihdmicomponent.htm) as HDMI. It's just annoying that my HDMI doesn't work, and again, this seems to be fairly common. (To reiterate, this is a Motorola box problem, which you're just as likely to encounter with Comcast since AFAIK they use the same boxes -- it has nothing to do with Verizon's signal or anything like that.)

As you mentioned, if you want OnDemand content, you've got no choice but Verizon's Motorola boxes. This is the way it'll be w/ all providers until Tru2Way (http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9953439-1.html) becomes a reality and you have hardware that supports it.

All that said, I still *HIGHLY* recommend FiOS over Comcast. At worst, the HD box issue is a tie, but you'll still get better PQ and (if you'll switch over for internet too) much faster internet, for usually the same or better price. IMHO, there's no reason not to switch if FiOS is available in your area.

You certainly do have HDMI output. Works fine. There are rare(?) problems with a few models: syncing of the HDMI "handshake". There's also a "green line" known bug in the software. STB is the QIP6416, AVS forum thread is here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=617635&page=117 Nothing that should stop you from moving to FiOS.

Broadband reports also has a Verizon FiOS forum: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/vzfiostv


Um,yea... I suspect that the HDMI handshake problem may be (have been) the same type of F/W issues in the Comcast STB's. That was fixed a loooooong time ago, so I would hope that is not prevalent with FIOS.

I'll take a walk over to my neighbors house tomorrow and check out her gear. She just dumped Comcast for FIOS a few weeks ago. I wonder if she'll let me play with her stuff???

In the meantime, I use component + optical, which really, is just as good (http://www.bluejeanscable.com/articles/dvihdmicomponent.htm) as HDMI.

Well, not really. Almost, close. But, I'd still much prefer my Pioneer Elite display to perform the D/A - not the crappy STB's circuitry. And, if/when TrueHD and DTS-MA ever get broadcast, optical does not have the bandwidth to carry that. so, you'd only get the core audio. Despite all its quirks HDMI still is my preferred delivery vehicle. Lack of HDMI connectivity would be a deal breaker for me.


It's just annoying that my HDMI doesn't work, and again, this seems to be fairly common. (To reiterate, this is a Motorola box problem, which you're just as likely to encounter with Comcast since AFAIK they use the same boxes -- it has nothing to do with Verizon's signal or anything like that.)

Hmmm... Comcast fixed that handshake problem a long time ago. I would hope Verizon has it figured out by now :)


All that said, I still *HIGHLY* recommend FiOS over Comcast. At worst, the HD box issue is a tie, but you'll still get better PQ and (if you'll switch over for internet too) much faster internet, for usually the same or better price. IMHO, there's no reason not to switch if FiOS is available in your area.

I guess it's time to get off my fat a$$ and make the move :)

When will Germantown section west of Germantown Avenue get Vz-FiOS.

Homeowner is considering Vz-triple-DIRECTv offer but would prefer to wait on FiOS if it is coming.:confused:

Thanks for all facts, rumors, and speculation from this community.

Best go with DIRECTv offer. I think us Philly folks are going to have a long wait.

As you mentioned, if you want OnDemand content, you've got no choice but Verizon's Motorola boxes. This is the way it'll be w/ all providers until Tru2Way (http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9953439-1.html) becomes a reality and you have hardware that supports it.



Verizon FIOS will not use tru2way. Ever. Only cable companies like Comcast will use tru2way (a.k.a. OpenCable, a.k.a. OCAP).

Verizon FIOS will not use tru2way. Ever. Only cable companies like Comcast will use tru2way (a.k.a. OpenCable, a.k.a. OCAP).

Probably, but not necessarily true (http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6571760.html?nid=4262). (And yes, I realize that FiOS uses IPTV for their VOD which would probably present complications.) In any case, I was only saying that until tru2way becomes a reality, no 3rd party box will have the ability to get VOD content, regardless of the provider.

Probably, but not necessarily true (http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6571760.html?nid=4262). (And yes, I realize that FiOS uses IPTV for their VOD which would probably present complications.) In any case, I was only saying that until tru2way becomes a reality, no 3rd party box will have the ability to get VOD content, regardless of the provider.

I wouldn't hold my breath for tru2way. Especially from FiOS. On a side note I wonder who comes up with names like "tru2way"?

I work for Verizon and the only areas in Philly that have FiOS are the new condos in Center City. For the Rockledge guy...Rockledge is fed out of a Northeast Philly Central Office so there isn't even any fiber ran there yet. There good news is that that Central Office will be one of the first to get fiber along with Chestnut Hill and other areas in the Northeast. The Video Franchise for the city is in talks and is thought to be ready by next year or year and a half.

...The Video Franchise for the city is in talks and is thought to be ready by next year or year and a half.
That's a terrible delay to those that may want to get the service. Perhaps a few letters to Mayor Nutter would show the interest, and get his attention to the matter.

Snail mail letter sent to Nutter's office. Need more then just me though guys.

And E-mails don't count, emails are to easy to ignore

I am thinking about switching from Comcast to Verizon. However, in an effort to keep order in my life, I was going to switch my internet and phone as well. Have any other Comcast to Fios people also switched their net and phone to Verizon as well? If so, have you had any problems with the net and/or phone switch? In our house the tv is basically used by my husband and kids....the internet and phone is all me, so even though they have been complaining about the tv, the internet works fine for me and I don't want to lose that but I do like the ease of having all three bills combined into one.

Additionally, I am know I am going off topic here, but we are also checking into Direct TV. Can anyone offer me an opinion on Direct TV?

I had my phone service with Verizon already, so it was really easy to do. After all is said and done, you will probably have better quality phone and internet service. You didn't say what phone and internet you have now. I switched from Verizon DSL to FiOS.

You'll see complaints about Verizon's billing, but you get that with just about anyone. Well, maybe more for Verizon but it shouldn't affect your decision to switch.

Checkout the BroadbandReports.com Verizon TV and FiOS forums: http://www.dslreports.com/forum/vzfiostv, http://www.dslreports.com/forum/vzfiber

Geek Girl: I currently have phone and internet through Comcast as well as cable.

That's important. You can't share the same coax with ComCast (if I'm wrong, someone please let me know). If you keep Comcast, you will have to be sure that the Comcast cable modem and phone (modem / adapter?) don't go to your TVs at any point where Verizon's signal will go. Comcast equipment doesn't touch Verizon equipment and vice versa.

You'll be getting a wireless / wired router as part of the TV service. It connects via coax to the ONT and is used for the Video On Demand and guide info. It also supplies the internet to your PCs if you choose to do so.

I haven't seen any recent postings about people keeping both ComCast and Verizon. It's either one or the other. Installs can get somewhat complicated, and it might make sense to go totally with Verizon.

As for DirecTV, first things first. Be sure that you have a clear view of the southern /southwest sky. Clear view also means no trees - the antenna doesn't work through trees.

Sorry if this has already been noted. I've had this problem for a week or two and didn't see anything about it here when I looked. Several shopping networks:rolleyes: and other seemingly random channels are added to my favorites and keep coming back after being deleted. A fix seems to be in the indefinite future - just like all the new hd channels announced last year!

Here's a link:
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r20733126-Favorites-All-Messed-Up

FWIW, here's the latest Philly high number HD / SD (sub)channels. Posted this over on DSL reports in another thread, thought I'd throw it in over here. NBC Olympics just showed up in the IMG.

860 NBCwthr+
865 WPVID3
866 WPVID2
867 WPHL-DT - IMG shows Weather, but broadcasting a really crappy excuse for color bars. Not even worthy of SD quality. :mad:
871 WLVT Kid - (Allentown PA)
872 WLVT Edu
873 WHYY2
874 WHYY Arts
875 WYBE-DT (Philly non-profit. IMHO better than WHYY)
876 WNJT-2 (Trenton NJ)
877 WNJT Gov
879 CNBC HD
884 USA HD
888 - local programming - unable to tune error. Probably that private channel I saw with a QAM tuner a few months ago. Located in Delaware.
889 - local programming - ditto.
896 NBC 2008 - NBC Olympics - Can't tune to the channel
897 NBC 2008 - NBC Olympics - Can't tune to the channel

I just saw that Verizon posted more dates for the HD channels additions and channel lineup realignment. But Philadelphia metro area is not listed on that list. Does anyone here have an approximate date for this event?

I'm making the switch from Comcast to Verizon this weekend. Dropping my phone line, getting FIOS internet and tv plus hd dvr.

I've had it with the compression Comcast is putting on the HD, especially since they are jacking the bill up too. The Motorola DVR I have through Comcast (3416) is definitely flakey and often has significant delays between when the buttons get pressed and when the box responds. I'm willing to take my chances with the FIOS boxes from Motorola, hopefully it won't be worse than the Comcast one.

I just saw that Verizon posted more dates for the HD channels additions and channel lineup realignment....
Can you post a link to that? For the "Metro" area, you need to select Southeastern PA.

Can you post a link to that? For the "Metro" area, you need to select Southeastern PA.

Yes. I know to select SE PA for the lineup. Look at this link http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/channel+lineup/channel+lineup.htm. The schedule for the new lineups for different markets is at the bottom. SE PA is not on the short list.

Can anyone look at 815 PBS WNJT (aka NJN). See if it's coming in HD at any point in time?

Whenever I watch it, it seems to be in Digital, but not HD. It's in the HD tier, so I'm a little confused.

If someone could check this, I would appreciate it. If it's not coming in HD.... I don't know who to call/write. I would like this channel in HD.

Thanks for your help.

While the channel may be a high def one, that doesn't mean they are transmitting 16:9 high def programming. Some stuff will still be the old 4:3 standard def signal. Several channels are this way, and even the evening news shows have their remote feeds in 4:3, and then the audio is out of sync also...really bothers me. It's something we'll live with for awhile. Also, some of the "oldies" programming that you see are just stretched for filling a 16:9 screen. Green Acres, Lawrence Welk and Hogan's Heros were hardly high def video! :D

@Jim Hef: See, that's where I'm confused. I have seen plenty of shows on there that say "In HD where available", so I know it's a HD show. Nature, NOVA for examples...

So, I just want to be sure it's not just me... so if someone else could give it a swing and tell me, I would appreciate that.

Just switched to 815 NJN and they're showing Curious George cartoon. My displays reports 480i signal. I think you will find this with most Public Broadcasting channels. WHYY HD is right now showing an "educational cartoon" broadcast as 4:3 480i. It's not just you!

I think I'd be most curious during primetime if the Nature and NOVA that they'd show during that time would be in HD, especially because it is an HD show.

Are you still not receiving the high def programming on those PBS channels? If I think about it over the weekend, I'll try to run through some of those channels and see what I'm receiving.

Didn't check last night, but this has been ongoing for a long time. My last post on this I think I posted (I should know better) in a wrong forum, so it got overlooked. But this has been happening for a while.

Thanks for the help... I just like PBS, and I want TWO if I can get them.

Just putting this back in the mix for Bronowyn's report on NJN's HD broadcasts.

Funny that, I was about to post. This morning on my way into work, I got a phone call from Verizon asking if my issue is resolved. The Automated system did not accept "I don't know" as an answer. So I had to say "No"... I explained it to the agent, who had no idea about anything... but I'm thinking I'll have to check it tonight and see if it's corrected.

Here's some info on the rollover to the new channel lineup:

"On 8/25 (as noted on the STB message that was sent on 8/4) - there will be a realignment of all CURRENT channels for those in this region. Meaning, we will not see anything NEW on this day, but all channels will shift to the new locations (Example, local HD's will move from the 800's to the 500's). This will set things up for the actual 1st phase of the new HD channels.

Based on what is on the VZ website as of this morning, the initial rollout will then occur on:

South Jersey - 9/8
Philly Metro - 9/11
Northern DE - 9/15
Central DE - 9/4

Hopefully this will help clarify some questions - and naturally, these dates are always tentative."

Been without service all morning, and when I called in to FiOS, the recording stated that the channel lineup was being reconfigured, and an outage is normal. Not sure how long this should take, but why during the Olympic coverage did they choose to do this??? Hopefully, we'll have service resumed sometime this afternoon!

Service resumed by the end of the morning, but the channel numbers remain as they were. Not sure what the situation was for me, but it certainly doesn't seem to be what they stated in the recording.

Bronowyn, I turned over to 815 last night during prime time to view the NJN Nova...letterboxed on all sides, very strange. I also didn't realize that they had separate programming vs. WHYY for the same show. WHYY's Nova was in full screen 16:9 format.

Interesting article in the Inquirer this morning stating Comcast will have the Big Ten Network up and running for the beginning of the football season. Since we don't get the new lineup until Sept 11, we're out of luck for the first two Penn State games (Coastal Carolina will be shown on the Big Ten Network) unless a local station also picks up the games as has happened in the past.